Reading visitors will get a unique opportunity to view planet Earth as it appears from space with the world-famous Gaia globe artwork coming to town.

Luke Jerram’s replica artwork of planet Earth – which has been exhibited all over the world including Singapore, Australia and USA – will be at Reading Climate Festival in June (Saturday, 10 - Sunday, 18).

The 7m diameter installation is 1.8 million times smaller than our planet and was created using NASA imagery. The artwork gives us the chance to see our planet, floating in three dimensions. 

A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer, Dan Jones, will be played alongside the striking sculpture, giving visitors a completely immersive experience.

Gaia is a visual representation of the fragility and beauty of the Earth. The installation is coming to Reading as part of the Climate Festival. It aims to inspire people to think about climate action and will offer a full schedule of family activities, inspiring talks, concerts and yoga sessions.

Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Climate Strategy and Transport, Councillor Tony Page, said: "We’re privileged and delighted to be bringing Gaia to Reading this summer. Gaia is an immersive experience, and the installation will be a reminder of how beautiful and fragile plant earth is. I hope the installation and the accompanying programme of thought-provoking activities will allow visitors to reflect and provide a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment.

"I’d encourage residents to experience the installation, make their climate change commitment and play their part in building a cleaner greener town. Think Global Act Local."

Gaia was created in partnership with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Bluedot and the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres. The artwork premiered at Bluedot Festival in July 2018.

Reading’s Climate Festival hopes to inspire and encourage positive action on climate change, supporting Reading’s commitment to being a Net Zero town by 2030.

Co-chair of Reading Climate Change Partnership, Tracey Rawling Church, said: "Reading Climate Festival started small in 2020 as a way of inspiring and encouraging action on climate change and has raised its ambition year by year. We’re absolutely thrilled that Gaia will be the centrepiece of this year’s festival and excited about the opportunities it will bring to involve more people in the conversation about the climate and biodiversity crisis and what we can do about it."

Gaia has been brought to the town by Reading Borough Council, Reading Climate Change Partnership (RCCP), Reading Business Improvement District (part of REDA) and University of Reading.

Visitors will be able to experience Gaia during public opening hours, but booking is essential at What’s On Reading.