Floating Earth by artist Luke Jerram
Presented by ArtHouse Jersey in partnership with Jersey Water.
The glowing ten metre diameter replica of planet earth will float Queen’s Valley Reservoir.
From Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 September
Image credit right: @photographicleigh
Floating Earth by Luke Jerram is a giant glowing globe which was created from NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface, providing the viewer an opportunity to see our planet floating in three dimensions. It seeks to generate the feelings of awe that astronauts report feeling when viewing the planet from space (otherwise known as the Overview Effect), a profound understanding of the interconnection of all life, and a renewed sense of responsibility for taking care of the environment. The experience is accompanied by a beautiful sound composition by Dan Jones. It has delighted huge audiences while on its travels, including at London’s Canary Wharf as part of the Winter Lights Festival (pictured) and it has also appeared in Liverpool as part of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Watch Floating earth by Luke Jerram
Watch a film of Floating Earth by Luke Jerram.
Floating Earth visitor information
Entry
Floating Earth is FREE to visit and you don’t need to book a ticket. Just come along anytime, day or night, between 14 and 24 September.
Times of the day to visit the installation
Floating Earth is open to the public 24/7.
The installation soundscape will be turned on at sunrise and switched off at 10pm each evening. Visitors are encouraged to come to see the work between these times to get the full experience, although access is possible after 10pm.
Busy times
We do anticipate that there will be busy periods when lots of people will visit the display. It’s here for ten days so there will plenty of time to see it – if there are lots of people, consider coming back at another time when you can enjoy the artwork with fewer crowds.
What to bring/wear
If you plan to come after dusk, bring a torch with you to light up your walk from and to Floating Earth. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear for walking to and from the reservoir.
Taking photos and videos of the artwork
We really want to see your Floating Earth photos and footage so upload them to social media and tag @arthousejersey @jerseywaterofficial and @lukejerramartist with the hashtag #FloatingEarthJersey.
Toilet facilities
There will be two portaloos in the top car park near Floating Earth.
Best way to get to Queen’s Valley Reservoir
ArtHouse Jersey and Jersey Water are wholeheartedly encouraging all visitors to Floating Earth to travel to the reservoir sustainably where possible, whether via public transport, bike or foot. Queen’s Valley Reservoir is easily found on Google Maps and is accessible via Liberty Bus Route 13, Liberation Station to Jersey Zoo.
Address: La Route De Hougue Bie, St Saviour, JE2 7UX, from Thursday 14 to Sunday 24 September.
Cyclists
Cyclists can park in the top car park which is reserved for accessible parking only and is located right next to the installation. Equally, if you want the full experience, you can park in our Main Event Parking or in the bottom car park of the reservoir, which is open as usual, and walk to the art installation.
We don’t have bike racks but there is plenty of space.
Accessibility
Floating Earth is fully accessible for all visitors. There is a flat path that goes around the area of the reservoir where the artwork is located. The top car park of the reservoir is reserved for Blue Badge Holders and people who request accessible parking in advance from ArtHouse Jersey. Queen’s Valley Reservoir is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Visitors should be aware of slippery surfaces and slight inclines and declines along the route.
Email any concerns or questions about accessibility to [email protected] or call 01534 617 521. ArtHouse will aim to reply to emails with accurate and helpful answers within 24 hours.
Parking
If you drive to visit Floating Earth, we ask that you park in the designated car parks and access the display by the signposted routes.
Main Event Parking
The Main Event Parking will be clearly signposted along Route de Hougue Bie and Rue D’Aval. The map below shows where the parking is located and how to access it.
This field will accommodate more than 200 cars. Once parked up, you will have a 10-15 minute walk through the lanes and the reservoir to arrive at Floating Earth.
Top Car Park – Reserved only
Right next to the art installation, the top car park at Queen’s Valley Reservoir on Route de Hougue Bie/Rue D’Aval will be reserved for Blue Badge Holders and people who request accessible parking from ArtHouse Jersey.
There will also be parking for bicycles.
Bottom Car Park – open as usual
The bottom car park will be open as usual and there will be overflow parking in a field nearby. Both these sites will accommodate approximately 50 vehicles.
Parking for Floating Earth
There is ample parking and lighting in the field. Once you have parked, exit your vehicle and walk down the temporarily pedestrianised lane – La Rue des Moulins – which will take you to the reservoir and towards Floating Earth. This is signposted and should only take about 10-15 minutes.
If you are visiting before light/after dark, please use a torch and take extra care on the road and reservoir pathways. In places, there are uneven surfaces and steep areas.
Image below: Winter Lights, Canary Wharf 2023 by Sean Pollock
