The Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton is set to host an extraordinary exhibit this winter, featuring the awe-inspiring artwork Mars by UK artist Luke Jerram.
Known for his celestial art pieces, including the Museum of the Moon and Gaia, Jerram’s latest creation invites visitors to explore the Red Planet in unparalleled detail.
The exhibit’s centrepiece is a seven-meter-diameter, internally illuminated sculpture featuring high-resolution imagery from NASA.
Rendered at a scale of 1:1 million, each centimetre of the artwork corresponds to 10 kilometres of Mars’s surface. Guests will feel as though they are observing the planet from orbit, with every crater, volcano, and valley brought into vivid focus.
Suspended in the pyramid’s apex, Mars will be surrounded by vibrant red and orange plants, such as Bromeliads and Begonias, adding an otherworldly atmosphere to the installation. Comfortable seating is available for visitors to immerse themselves in the Martian-inspired environment, whether during the day or in the glow of night.
Jerram described his intention behind the installation, saying, “I hope visitors feel transported to Mars’s inhospitable desert wasteland and, in contrast, gain a renewed appreciation for life on Earth.”
The Muttart Conservatory, a prominent feature of Edmonton’s skyline since 1976, offers visitors a year-round escape into diverse plant life within its four iconic pyramids: Arid, Temperate, Tropical, and Feature. Designed by Canadian architect Peter Hemingway, the conservatory regularly updates the Feature Pyramid with new displays, keeping experiences fresh and inspiring.
Tickets for the exhibit, running from January 11 to April 27, 2025, are included in general admission ranging from free admission for children under two to $14.95 for adults. Youth and seniors can explore the display for $12.95, while tickets for children aged 2–12 are $7.75.
Trip Planning – Luke Jerram’s Mars
Credit: Muttart Conservatory
What: Measuring 7 metres in diameter and glowing, Luke Jerram’s Mars features detailed NASA imagery of the Martian surface. Suspended from the apex of the Feature Pyramid, Mars will be surrounded by bright red and orange plants including Bromeliads, Begonias and other bizarre botanicals that are out of this world.
When:
January 11 – April 27, 2025
Monday to Tuesday | 10am-5pm
Wednesday to Thursday | 10am-9pm
Friday to Sunday | 10am-5pm
Adults Only – Wednesday | 5-9pm
Where: Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96A Street, Edmonton
How Much: Child (Under 2 Years) | $0
Child (2-12 Years) | $7.75
Youth/Senior | $12.95
Adult | $14.95