Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

‘Stunning’ 3D model of Earth goes on show in Glasgow

The replica created by Luke Jerram has been unveiled at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross church in the city.

Paul Cargill
Tuesday 16 May 2023 10:50 EDT
A visitor’s view of Gaia, a seven-metre-wide replica of Earth created by Luke Jerram.
A visitor’s view of Gaia, a seven-metre-wide replica of Earth created by Luke Jerram. (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A “magnificent” 3D replica of Earth as seen from space has been unveiled in a Glasgow church.

Seven metres (nearly 23ft) in diameter, Gaia, created by the renowned British installation artist Luke Jerram and named after the Greek goddess of Earth, has gone on show at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross Church, the only church ever designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.

The globe is around 2.1 million times smaller than the real Earth, with each centimetre of the internally lit sculpture representing 21km of the world’s surface.

Formed using detailed Nasa imagery of the Earth’s surface, the artwork in the church in the city’s Maryhill area provides the public with the opportunity to see our planet floating in three dimensions.

The unveiling of the artwork kicked off a month-long series of events in the city organised by the Charles Rennie Mackintosh (CRM) Society to mark its 50th anniversary.

Director Stuart Robertson remarked: “We’re thrilled to unveil the magnificent Gaia installation and welcome visitors to see this stunning spectacle and enjoy our exciting 50th anniversary events.

“We have a packed programme of exhibitions, concerts, talks and film nights under Gaia.

“Whether you’ve been to Mackintosh Queen’s Cross before, or are visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you.”

Gaia will be on show at Mackintosh Queen’s Cross until June 24, during which time a number of 50th anniversary events are scheduled to take place.

These events include talks about Glasgow’s history, concerts featuring artists such as Amy May Ellis and Siobhan Wilson, several film screenings and a special exhibition showcasing some of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s unbuilt designs.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in