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Helsinki Cathedral will host a month-long series of discussions on war and peace in October 2025, featuring a large-scale Mars installation by British artist Luke Jerram. The event marks the second annual themed month at the cathedral, aimed at fostering societal dialogue.
The Mars installation, on display in Finland for the first time, follows Jerram’s previous astronomical works, such as Museum of the Moon and Gaia.
The latter was exhibited at Helsinki Cathedral in 2024 as part of a sustainable future theme and attracted over 27,000 visitors in one month.
Discussions held alongside the exhibition will focus on peacebuilding in an unstable world, the role of peace in securing a sustainable future, and individual actions that promote peace in local communities. The themes will also be reflected in church services.
Jerram hopes his artwork will inspire visitors to appreciate Earth’s livability in contrast to Mars’ barren landscape.
The themed month, organised by Helsinki Cathedral Parish for the second time, is set to become an annual tradition.
Mari-Anna Auvinen, acting vicar of the cathedral, said the event provides a safe space for open conversations about pressing global issues.
“Our vision is to build communities of hope with courage and justice. Last October, we focused on sustainability—this year, we turn to war and conflict. The church in the heart of the city is a place where people can talk about both hope and despair and seek common solutions to issues affecting us all,” she said.
The initiative aims to encourage people to recognise their ability to influence the future of society and the planet.
The Mars installation is a seven-metre-wide illuminated sculpture featuring high-resolution images of the planet’s surface, mapped by NASA. It is approximately one million times smaller than the actual planet, with each centimetre representing 10 kilometres of Mars’ terrain.
Visitors will be able to examine the planet’s vast valleys, craters, volcanoes, and mountains as if viewing it from orbit. The installation also includes a soundscape by composer Dan Jones, combining recorded sounds from Mars with the noises of war.
Jerram is known for his large-scale sculptures, immersive installations, and public art projects, which often explore themes of science and humanity.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
