Museum of the Moon, Natural History Museum

The moon is our constant companion. It sets the rhythm of the tides and, some believe, the rhythm of our bodies, and has permeated every culture on the planet. Such is its reliable place in our lives we tend to take it for granted. But a new display at the Natural History Museum is set to remind us of how special our celestial neighbour really is.

Museum of the Moon is the brainchild of artist Luke Jerram and takes the form of a spherical facsimile of the moon’s surface lit from within, measuring six metres in diameter. It features high-resolution imagery taken by a Nasa satellite carrying the Luna Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera. One centimetre of the sculpture’s surface is equivalent to 5 KM on the moon.

The artwork has already toured a number of locations, both indoors and out. When it goes on display in the Natural History Museum's Jerwood Gallery it will be accompanied by music from award-wining composer Dan Jones. The museum is also putting on a programme of lunar-inspired events, including COMPANION: MOON, an interactive experience by theatre company Coney, a one-off performance by art rock band Public Service Broadcasting and meditation and yoga classes for adults, as well as separate yoga classes for children.

This is more than an Instagram opportunity. It is the chance to be transported from the terrestrial concerns of daily life, to get up close and personal with moon’s pockmarked surface and to consider the splendour of the natural world. Those lucky enough to have seen this artwork already have stretched out on the floor to gaze up at it from beneath, much like visitors to Olafur Eliasson’s Weather Project did in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in 2003. So set some time aside to immerse yourself fully in the light of moon and allow yourself a moment to be transported somewhere magical.