Helios at Dyffryn Gardens
Experience Helios at Dyffryn Gardens 23-26 May and 29 May-1 June. With rippling lights, solar imagery and sounds of the sun recorded by NASA, this is a wonderful opportunity to see this audio-visual wonder on display outdoors.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
This is a unique opportunity to see and experience a compelling piece of art which prompts feelings of awe, belonging, gratitude and inquisitiveness. Adult or child, old or young, every visitor will be enraptured by what they see on the South Lawn of Dyffryn Gardens.
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.
Dyffryn Gardens is a wonderful opportunity to see the seven-metre spherical artwork outside. Helios will be displayed on the South Lawn, with the spectacular South Front bedding displays and reflective water displays in the background.
Helios has been co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.
Visitors can see Helios on Friday 23 to Monday 26 May and Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June. These dates fall during May half-term, but because the artwork will be outside it can only be on display for four days at a time (to preserve it), so it won’t be on display for the whole of the half-term. However, we'll be open as usual on 27-28 May with plenty of things to do for families whilst Helios isn't on display.
For all the information on Helios at Dyffryn Gardens please see the Helios website page on the "Things to see and do" section of our website.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Booking details
There's no need to book to see Helios during either normal or extended opening hours.
- Suitability
Helios is an amazing experience for anyone, of any age.
- Accessibility
Dyffryn Gardens is largely accessible with blue badge parking, accessible toilets at regular intervals and step-free routes around the garden and a volunteer-run buggy takes visitors around the gardens. The route to and from Helios is fully accessible. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge. Please pre-book these to ensure availability on: 02920 593 328.
- Other
We are extending opening hours on some evenings while Helios is up so that visitors can see the sun setting on the sun! 23-26 May we'll be open at usual from 10am-6pm, on Friday 23 May and Saturday 24 May we'll re-open from 7-10pm. 29 May-1 June we'll be open at usual from 10am-6pm, on Friday 30 May and Saturday 31 May we'll re-open from 7-10pm. The entirety of the garden will be open during these later hours, but we will encourage visitors to gather on the South Lawn from around 8.45pm so that we can all watch the sunset together, experiencing the sun setting on the art work in community with one another. On Thursday 29 May we'll open an hour early for a relaxed session between 9-10am. This is a great opportunity for those with additional sensory needs to experience Helios in a quieter, less busy environment.
Upcoming events
Easter Adventures at Dyffryn Gardens
Come to Dyffryn Gardens on 7-22 April for a unique, engaging and playful Easter trail.
Blossom Watch Walk at Dyffryn Gardens
Celebrate the coming of spring with this self-led exploration around all of Dyffryn's seasonal highlights
Blossom at Dyffryn Gardens
Our annual celebration of blossom, a moment to help people connect with the beauty and meaning of blossom through activities and the seasonal highlights found at Dyffryn Gardens.
Arborist Blossom and Heritage Orchard Tour at Dyffryn Gardens
Take a free blossom tour of the Dyffryn Gardens Heritage Orchard with Senior Gardener and Head Arborist, Rory Ambrose, on Friday 25 April.