Helios: Stunning solar sculpture to light up Plymouth this September

A spectacular artwork inspired by the Sun is coming to Plymouth this autumn, and it’s completely free to visit.

From Saturday, 20th September to Sunday, 28th September, visitors to Devonport’s Market Hall, run by the Real Ideas Organisation, will be able to experience Helios, a seven-metre, internally lit sculpture by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram.

Commissioned by the National Trust, Helios takes its name from the Ancient Greek personification of the Sun and follows Jerram’s acclaimed astronomical installations, including Museum of the Moon, Gaia, and Mars.

The sculpture, approximately 1:200 million in scale, uses high-resolution solar imagery to capture intricate details of the Sun, from sunspots and spicules to filaments, offering visitors an extraordinary close-up view. It’s accompanied by a specially created surround-sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, incorporating NASA recordings of the Sun.

Plymouth is one of only a handful of UK locations chosen to host Helios in 2025, bringing world-class contemporary art to a striking and accessible venue in the heart of Devonport.

“This is a fantastic moment for Plymouth,” said Olivia Meeson, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for the National Trust at Saltram. “Helios isn’t just a striking artwork - it’s an opportunity to bring something inspiring and free into the heart of the city. We hope it sparks curiosity, conversation, and creativity across all ages.”

Alongside the installation, visitors will be able to take part in yoga and Pilates sessions beneath the glowing sphere, join relaxed drop-in crafting activities, or enjoy a late-night opening for an atmospheric after-dark experience.

The exhibition also reflects the National Trust’s new strategy to make culture and heritage more accessible and relevant to communities everywhere.

“This is exactly what our new strategy is about,” added Olivia. “We want to create moments of wonder and belonging for everyone, wherever they are. Hosting Helios in Devonport is part of our ambition to make culture and heritage feel close, relevant and open to all.”

On the creation of the artwork, artist Luke Jerram said:

“We all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the sun, as it can damage our eyesight. Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to, and inspect, its extraordinarily detailed surface including sunspots, spicules and filaments.

“The Northern Lights are one of the greatest wonders and displays of art in the natural world. I’ve incorporated the source of the solar flares which caused this phenomenon to be visible over the UK in May 2024.

“I hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public and I cannot wait to see it showcased in some of the most wonderful locations around England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”

Lindsey Hall MBE, Chief Executive of Real Ideas Organisation, said:

“We are delighted to partner with the National Trust to bring this unique installation to Market Hall and share this remarkable piece of artwork with Devonport and the wider Plymouth community. We know local people will be fascinated by Helios and will love seeing it here in Devonport. We’re looking forward to seeing the sculpture suspended within the Market Hall; its presence will be striking against the backdrop of our wonderful historic building.”