A planetary art installation is set to wow visitors at a museum next year.

Luke Jerram's Mars installation will be set up at Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn, for a six-week period from January 28 to March 9, 2025.

The 6-metre diameter piece of artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface and is designed to be viewed from various angles.

It will be part of a trilogy of installations at the museum.

Mars follows the success of the Museum of the Moon in October 2021 and Gaia in January 2024.

Visitors will have a chance to experience an intimate viewing of the Red Planet from the centre’s mezzanine balcony.

The 6-metre diameter piece of artwork features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface and is designed to be viewed from various angles (Image: Dave Parry Press Association LR)

An extensive events programme has been planned to complement the installation.

This includes concerts, readings, storytelling, talks, meditation and mindfulness sessions, with a special Martian theme for February half-term activities.

The museum will adjust its opening hours to accommodate nighttime viewings of the installation, with the wider museum open from 12 noon to 7pm for the duration of Mars’ residency at Norton Priory.

Visitors can purchase special 'Night at the Museum' tickets for reduced price visits between 5pm and 7pm.

During the February half-term, opening times will be extended from 10am to 7pm.

The museum will adjust its opening hours to accommodate nighttime viewings of the installation (Image: Supplied) Rob Sanderson-Thomas, Norton Priory chief executive, said: "We can’t wait for visitors to join us on this very special inter-planetary journey to Mars next year.

"Bringing the Red Planet to Norton Priory Museum and Gardens completes our presentation of Luke Jerram’s remarkable planetary trilogy.

"We are currently putting the final touches to an extensive activity programme to celebrate and enhance the six-week art installation, so visitors have the most memorable and enjoyable experience as they gaze into Outer Space."

Families are encouraged to explore the Mars installation, with free child entry for standard museum visits (charges apply for special events).

For more details, visit the Norton Priory Museum and Gardens website.