KUCHING: The Sarawak Museum Department has been commended for their success in bringing the renowned international touring exhibition, Museum of the Moon, to the state.
Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Museum of the Moon has toured all over the world, and this is its first presentation in Malaysia and the first international touring exhibition at the Borneo Cultures Museum.
The main highlight of the exhibition by United Kingdom artist, Luke Jerram, is a replica of the moon, measuring seven metres in diameter and at an approximate scale of 1:500,000 per centimetre based on a detailed image from the United States Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the lunar surface.
The replica of the moon is lit using internal lights on the surface of the sphere as detailed by the NASA agency representing five kilometres of the moon’s surface.
“High profile international exhibitions such as this will help to elevate the reputation of the Borneo Cultures Museum as a world class museum. This exhibit is truly awe-inspiring and a testament to the incredible power of human imagination and creativity,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the launch of the Museum of the Moon on Thursday evening.
The official launch of the exhibition also featured a special appearance by Malaysia’s first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie Sheikh Mustapha who gave a talk entitled ‘Journey to Space’.
Abdul Karim said the Museum of the Moon exhibition aims to inspire and educate visitors about the moon, its history, and its significance to cultures around the world as well as its importance to the planet.
He said the exhibition also aims to promote science and technology education by instilling a sense of wonder and awe in visitors through the display of a cutting-edge moon model.
“This exhibit is a true testament to the commitment to inspire and uplift us all through the power of art and science. It serves as a reminder of the vastness and beauty of our universe, as well as the fact that we are all connected and share a common home,” he said.
The Museum of the Moon is open to the public from June 17 to Aug 5 daily from 9 am to 4.45 pm.
Visitors are encouraged to seize the unique chance to gaze upon the detailed replica of the moon.
