Gaia: replica of Earth exhibit now open in Rochdale

Gaia is a giant replica of the planet Earth

You can now see a stunning replica of planet Earth right here in Rochdale until Christmas.

Created by artist Luke Jerram, Gaia is an internationally renowned huge work of art depicting the Earth, which is being exhibited at Number One Riverside in the town centre.

Seven metres in diameter and created from detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, it provides an opportunity to see the planet on a huge scale, floating in three dimensions. A surround sound composition plays as Gaia rotates once every four minutes - 360 times faster than the real Earth.

The sculpture is designed as a talking point, a reason to bring people together to think about our home and should give a ‘renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment’, say organisers. The name Gaia comes from Greek mythology, meaning 'the personification of the Earth.'

Gaia was beamed worldwide during its high profile recent visit to COP26 in Glasgow. It aims to create a sense of the ‘Overview Effect’ - a common reaction by astronauts who have seen the real thing, 'a feeling of awe for the planet, a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.'

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: "That moment of seeing the world in front of you is wonderful and inspiring. We know we urgently need to look after our home and change our behaviour. I hope to see visitors of all ages coming to see it and getting a new perspective of our place on the planet.”

Councillor Sara Rowbotham, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and sustainability said: “Climate change will impact the lives of everybody who lives and works in the borough unless we take action. I hope Gaia will spark the imagination of those who visit in lots of ways and inspire us all to think about the changes we can make.”

The exhibition and supporting events are staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Your Trust, supported financially by the Garfield Weston Foundation.  

Gaia is open 9am to 5pm weekdays (extended until 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays) and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays, 1pm to 5pm on Sundays, until 24 December.

Booking is not required, however, as it is in an indoor space, all visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings.