A tribute to ISRO
In celebration of Indian space exploration, Sideways collaborated with St+art India Foundation to transform the iconic Nehru Planetarium dome into a hyper-realistic replica of the Moon. This 25.6 metre public art installation honoured ISRO’s historic Chandrayaan-1 landing mission, bringing the lunar surface into the heart of Mumbai and allowing every citizen to witness the #MoonInMumbai.
To ensure scientific accuracy, Planetarium Director Mr. Arvind Paranjpe guided the precise orientation of the lunar topology to highlight the South Pole. This rigorous planning transformed the blank dome into an astronomically correct canvas before a single drop of paint was applied.
Framing the artwork with its intent, the dedication plaque stands in the foreground as a testament to the project. It anchors the surreal visual of the painted dome, explaining our homage to the ingenuity of ISRO’s scientists.
This bird’s-eye view captures the sheer scale of the intervention, revealing how the 25.6m structure was completely transformed. Amidst the city skyline, the iconic Nehru Planetarium became a realistic lunar surface.
The installation successfully sparked a sense of wonder, drawing people from all walks of life to the site. Crowds flocked daily to catch a glimpse of the #MoonInMumbai, turning the art into a shared moment of civic pride.
Our tribute resonated far beyond the art community, capturing the imagination of the entire nation. From vernacular papers to national dailies, the installation garnered extensive media coverage celebrating the spirit of the campaign.
