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Helios art installation
We're displaying Helios, a new artwork of the sun by Luke Jerram. This seven-metre sculpture combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun's intricate details.
A closer look at the sun
Named after the ancient Greek god of the sun, Helios offers a detailed view of the star, including rare features like sunspots. The sculpture is scaled so that each centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of the real sun's surface.
Along with its glowing light, Helios includes a soundscape featuring NASA recordings of the sun, by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Together, the light and sound create a unique and immersive experience, inviting us to explore the sun's hidden beauty and power up close.
Connecting people, art and nature
Through this piece, we're continuing our tradition of presenting new and historic art to everyone. For centuries, places in our care have displayed artworks in houses, gardens and parklands across the country, and this will continue with the help of our partners, supporters and ambassadors.
Luke, who is known for creating other large installations like Museum of the Moon and Gaia, is using Helios to introduce a new and personal way to appreciate and rise up for nature.
We all know it's dangerous to look directly at the sun, as it can damage our eyesight. Helios provides a safe way for us to get close to, and inspect, its detailed surface including sunspots, spicules and filaments.
A quote by Luke Jerram Artist of Helios
Highlighting the sun's importance
The sun has inspired people throughout history as a symbol of life, light and renewal. By blending art with science, Helios offers an opportunity to reflect on the forces that shape our planet, and our connection with the natural world.
How to experience Helios
Helios will be displayed at the following sites and dates:
Bath Assembly Rooms, Somerset
- 11–12 January 2025
- 18–19 January 2025
- 30 January–23 February 2025
Opening times: 12pm–6pm
Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland
- 19 March–6 April 2025
Opening times will be shared soon.
Ickworth Estate, Suffolk
- 2–5 May 2025
- 8–11 May 2025
Opening times will be shared soon.
Dyffryn Gardens, Vale of Glamorgan
- 23–26 May 2025
- 30 May–2 June 2025
Opening times will be shared soon.
Other locations
Helios will also be displayed at other sites around the UK, including:
- Charterhouse, West Midlands
- Downham Estate, Lewisham, London
- Fountains Abbey, North Yorkshire
- Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire
Further details about dates and locations will be shared soon. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this installation.
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