A massive, illuminated replica of the Earth is currently suspended high above the nave inside the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.
The large-scale glowing artwork hangs directly beneath the high vaulted ceilings, creating a bright focal point against the dimly lit stone interior.
A Detailed View of the Planet
The spherical installation features detailed satellite imagery of the Earth’s surface, clearly displaying continents, oceans, and swirling weather patterns.
Viewed from directly below, the southern hemisphere dominates, with South America and the surrounding oceans sharply defined. The bright blue and white light emanating from the globe illuminates the surrounding stone, standing out against the deep shadows of the cathedral’s upper reaches.
Architecture Meets Modern Art
The globe is framed by the classic gothic architecture of the massive building.
Tall, fluted stone columns line the nave, illuminated by subtle purple and blue uplighting that highlights the ribbed vaulting of the ceiling above.
Deeper into the cathedral, the lighting shifts to a warm, orange glow above the choir. In the background, a large, ornate rose stained glass window sits high above the altar area, its intricate circular patterns visible behind the suspended planet. Below the installation, long rows of wooden chairs are neatly arranged across the expansive floor.
The sheer scale of the installation allows individuals standing on the floor to look straight up and examine the highly detailed surface of the illuminated planet dominating the cavernous space above them.