We spoke to Nikki Fhalora, interim head of venue hire and catering at the Natural History Museum, about how the new, exciting exhibition will broaden event opportunities at the museum
You might have seen
Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram’s
Museum of the Moon installation in the news and on TV. The ginormous art piece has been to the moon and back, having travelled the globe for more than 2.5m people worldwide to experience it. Now, it’s at the National History Museum in
Kensington – and for the first time ever, the installation features in private parties and events.
‘It’s a fantastic opportunity to offer something brand-new and extremely special to our event clients,’ said Nikki. ‘With a 300-capacity, it fills a gap between our Earth Hall, which can seat up to 200 people for dinner, and the Hintze Hall, which can house up to 650.’
This summer (17 May to 8 September), organisers will be able to host exclusive events under the incredible moon after hours (it’s part of the museum’s temporary exhibition during the day). Measuring six metres in diameter and emitting a lunar glow, the piece features detailed Nasa imagery to perfectly recreate the moon’s surface.
Museum of the Moon will be on display in the versatile Jerwood Gallery, which will be used as an event space for the first time ever. The stripped-back gallery with nineteenth century Waterhouse architecture features gilt and terracotta ceiling panels and stained glass windows. Alongside the moon, it creates a great setting for an event.
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Bespoke lunar-themed specifications can also be put in place to complete the event. Nikki explains: ‘Some of our florists and production companies have said they would like to focus on “bringing the outside in”, with lit-up trees, lots of foliage and low, natural lighting to help create the feel that you really are outside beneath the moon.’
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As for the catering, there’s definitively room for being adventurous with a moon-theme. ‘I envisage a lot of cheese boards!’ laughs Nikki.
From weddings and gala dinners to summer parties and networking events, guests attending events here would be over the moon with the backdrop. Nikki also tells us that the Museum of the Moon can be hired as an addition to the Natural History Museum’s summer party packages. ‘It would be the perfect after party space,’ she admits.
The venue hire fee is from £15,000 and includes use of the Darwin Centre for arrivals and pre-dinner drinks.
Luke Jerram’s inspiration for this art piece came from living in
Bristol and seeing the huge tidal variation as he cycled over the Avon Cut every day. He created it in collaboration with the UK Space Agency, University of Bristol and The Association of Science and Discovery Centres.
Luke said: ‘The Natural History Museum puts research of the natural world at the heart of its work, making it the perfect home for the moon.’
Nikki also tells us that the installation will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing – what a way to celebrate it.
Once in a blue moon, the opportunity for an extraordinary event arises, and we think we’ve just found it. Get booking now before it’s too late.