GAIA art installation by Luke Jerram at St Blasien Cathedral
I recently spent three glorious days in the Black Forest visiting charming towns, exploring wellness options around Lake Titisee, hiking scenic trails, and sampling local cuisine. On my way back to Zurich, I stopped at St Blasien Cathedral after hearing that the stunning GAIA art installation by British artist Luke Jerram was on display there until 9th November. I had tried to see it in London but hadn’t managed to, so I was delighted to finally experience it in the Black Forest in Germany. Even better, entrance is free.
It’s surprisingly easy to get to St Blasien from Zurich, taking just about an hour and a half by car or public transport. You don’t have long to catch this exhibition though, as it ends on 9th November before moving on to its next destination – so don’t miss!
The GAIA installation offers a rare chance to see the Earth as astronauts do from space. It’s suspended beneath the grand dome of St Blasien Cathedral and the ten-metre-wide sphere rotates slowly in the centre, illuminated by light projections that bring the planet to life. Each centimetre of the sculpture represents 13 kilometres of Earth’s surface, and its imagery is drawn directly from NASA satellite data. The art installation is breathtaking and standing beneath the globe in the vast rotunda really is an experience.
Impressions of the GAIA art Installation
You can see some Instagram impressions of the GAIA art installation here:
St Blasien Cathedral itself is a magnificent backdrop for this piece. Known as the “Dom im Schwarzwald,” the 18th-century church is one of Europe’s largest domed structures north of the Alps, with a diameter of around 36 metres and a height of more than 60 metres. Its luminous white interior, neoclassical columns and perfect symmetry give the space an almost celestial quality that beautifully complements Jerram’s artwork.
So it you’re looking for a great day trip from Zurich, which combines great architecture, an historical church and a modern art installation, as well as a wealth of spiritual and artistic grandeur, the GAIA art installation in this beautiful cathedral should be definitely on your list!
It’s a perfect autumn outing from Zurich and afterwards why not stop in a local cafe like we did and enjoy a coffee and a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte?
GAIA art installation by Luke Jerram at St Blasien Cathedral
Where: Dom St Blasien, Black Forest, Germany
When: On now until 9th November 2025
Website: Visit the website here. https://www.blackforest-highlights.com/event/gaia-in-st.-blasien-cathedral-8d35ffb1e6
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