Space, the universe and everything : listening to visitors to the Luxmuralis son et lumiere installation at Liverpool Cathedral in 2022

Abstract

High profile (and sometimes controversial) events and installations have drawn attention to innovation and public engagement within Anglican cathedrals. One strong category of such events and installations has promoted clear engagement with scientific themes. Taking the Luxmuralis son et lumiere installation, Space, the Universe and Everything, as an example of such engagement, the present study examined the demographic and religious profile of 283 visitors to this installation at Liverpool Cathedral and explored their views on the connection between science and religion. The data demonstrated that 94% of the participants agreed that a cathedral is an ideal place for this type of installation. Reflecting on their experience of the installation in Liverpool Cathedral, 73% agreed that we need both science and religion in our lives.