Running Feb. 24–March 26, Our Place in Space returns to County Down, Northern Ireland. This three-dimensional journey through the solar system follows a 10-kilometer trail along the scenic North Down Coastal Path, passes through Crawfordsburn Country Park and finishes in the seaside town of Bangor.
Featuring scale models of the Sun and planets, Our Place in Space presents each world as a contemporary art sculpture. Trail guides stationed at the start of every interplanetary segment provide information and hand out maps. The route is wheelchair-accessible and combines the natural beauty of North Down with innovative, immersive technology.
© Tourism Ireland
Our Place in Space has previously appeared in Derry and Belfast in Northern Ireland and in Cambridge and Liverpool in the United Kingdom. At a scale of 591 million to one, the North Down installation gives visitors a final opportunity to explore a scaled solar system across some of County Down’s most attractive locations.
An interactive augmented reality app accompanies the trail. The experience begins at the Ulster Transport Museum, where visitors encounter a miniaturized version of the solar system. The museum hosts one of Europe’s most comprehensive transport collections, while Crawfordsburn Country Park offers two sandy beaches and several excellent viewpoints over Belfast Lough.
© Tourism Ireland
Recently designated as Northern Ireland’s newest city, Bangor is a popular seaside destination year-round. Located less than 15 miles from Belfast city center, the town features historic sites and local attractions such as Bangor Abbey, the McKee Clock, Clandeboye Estate and Bangor Castle.
Our Place in Space is part of UNBOXED: Creativity, a cross-disciplinary programme that blends art and science. Led by artist and author Oliver Jeffers and his team, the project celebrates creativity across the United Kingdom and Ireland.