A HUGE illuminated Planet Earth will go on display in Runcorn later this month.

Luke Jerram’s Gaia, which has been displayed at the likes of Parr Hall in Warrington and Pennington Flash in Leigh, launches an exciting new year of events at Runcorn’s Norton Priory Museum and Gardens this January.

Gaia is a touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, measuring 6 metres in diameter and created from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface. It allows visitors a chance to view all surfaces of our planet as if from space, floating in three dimensions.

The amazing installation will be exhibited at Norton Priory for three weeks between Tuesday, January 9 and Sunday, January 28, with revised opening times to allow viewings after dark.

Special ‘Night at the Museum’ tickets are available for visits between 5pm and 7pm, and the museum will be open between 12pmand 7pm for the duration of Gaia’s time at Norton Priory.

A varied events programme will accompany Gaia, including music performances from the Liverpool String Quartet and Nicola Mills. Alongside musical treats, there are mindful activities, meditation sessions, workshops, talks and – for the first time - winter tours of Norton Priory’s Georgian Walled Garden.

Rob Sanderson-Thomas, Norton Priory chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to bring Gaia to Norton Priory as part of our first full year as one of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organisations. This stunning artwork is being accompanied by a unique programme of events for all ages, and evening opening offers the opportunity to see the museum and the beautiful medieval undercroft at night.

“It's a perfect opportunity to celebrate the start of the new year and to dispel the January blues. Do come and be part of our world as we celebrate the majesty of the planet we call home.”

Usual entry prices for visits between 12 noon and 7pm apply, with free entry for members of Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.

Special discounted rates apply for ‘Night at the Museum’ viewings, and special events are available at prices ranging from £5 per person to £25 per person. The best prices for general admission to see Gaia are Norton Priory’s ‘advance tickets’ which are available online, until midnight the day before.

For up-to-date information about visiting Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, to view full details of Gaia programming and to book advance tickets, please visit nortonpriory.org.