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Giant full moon rises inside Dubai Mall

The moon measures seven metres in diameter at an approximate scale of 1:500,000.

A full moon has risen at The Dubai Mall, not over the mall, but inside.

On display at the mall's Souk Atrium as part of the 46th UAE National Day celebration, the 'moon' is a touring artwork by Bristol-based installation artist Luke Jerram. He created a replica of the moon using highly detailed imagery from the US agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) and called it Museum of the Moon.

The moon measures seven metres in diameter at an approximate scale of 1:500,000. Oliver Humpage, a moon engineer who worked with Jerram and is responsible for converting the massive data from Nasa into images, told Khaleej Times that each centimetre of the 'moon' artwork represents 5km of the actual moon.

According to Humpage, the Museum of the Moon has previously been displayed across Europe and is making its Middle Eastern debut.

"The moon installation uses a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by award winning composer Dan Jones and the best time to see the 'moon' is at night when it is internally illuminated," he said.

"We have the best photo realistic resolution of the moon. People should come and visit the installation. They can reach out their hands and almost feel its craters," he added.

Explaining the inspiration behind making Museum of the Moon, Humpage said: "We wanted to capture how different cultures respond to the moon. Here in Middle East, the moon has played a vital role in society and shaping the history of the region."

The Museum of the Moon exhibition is being held in collaboration with the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Visitors will be welcomed by Emirati hosts and will be served traditional coffee and dates as they listen to stories of the UAE's culture and heritage.

angel@khaleejtimes.com