Monarchs and jewels to light up Exeter Cathedral

Show is fresh from Tower of London

Exeter Cathedral is to be the first tour venue to host a spectacular new sound and light show, fresh from its launch at the Tower of London last month.

An art installation called Crown and Coronation brings to life the spectacle of the crown jewels and coronations, has been created by the charity Historic Royal Palaces, in partnership with Luxmuralis.

The show projects imagery spanning several centuries onto the interior walls and ceilings of the cathedral, accompanied by curated soundscapes from composer David Harper.

Charles Farris, public historian for the history of the monarchy at Historic Royal Palaces said: “Crown and Coronation will immerse visitors to Exeter Cathedral in the rich history of the British monarchy, Coronations, and the Crown Jewels.”

The Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter, is thrilled that Exeter Cathedral has been chosen as the first tour venue for the unique experience: “Crown and Coronation is an exciting opportunity to draw new visitors into the cathedral. We are always delighted to host Luxmuralis shows and this one is particularly special given Exeter Cathedral’s numerous associations with the British Monarchy. We were honoured in 2020 when King Charles, as the then Prince of Wales, became patron of our Development Appeal. We hope that visitors will be as excited and impressed with this spectacular sound and light show as we are!”

Crown and Coronation is at Exeter Cathedral from 9 to13 January. Advance tickets can be purchased from the Exeter Cathedral website and cost £8 for adults, £4 for children (ages 4-16), or £20 for a family of four. 

Let there be light (image courtesy: National Portrait Gallery/ Luxmuralis/Historic Royal Palaces)