10 Dec 2025
Following the success of Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon at the Cathedral, St Albans Museum + Gallery now turns its gaze to the Sun – unveiling Helios, his extraordinary and immersive installation that promises to bathe the city in brilliance.`
Helios is a dramatic six-metre-diameter spherical sculpture of the Sun. At an approximate scale of 1:230 million, every centimetre of the internally lit sphere represents roughly 2,300 km of the Sun’s surface.
Free to the public, the artwork will be on display from 27 December 27 to January 25.
Helios, who in ancient Greek mythology is the god who personifies the Sun, invites visitors to reflect on the immense power of Earth’s star, while celebrating science and art in equal measure.
Head of St Albans Museums Farhana Begum said: “January can often feel a bit gloomy, so we hope this solar spectacle brings a burst of brightness to everyone who visits. It’s the perfect moment for people to experience an installation that both educates and inspires. By bringing this monumental Sun sculpture, Helios, into the grand Assembly Room, we’re offering a unique and uplifting experience for families, schools, art lovers and curious minds alike.”
The surface imagery of the artwork is composed of 72 dpi high-resolution photographs of the Sun, compiled from 400,000 of astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green’s images taken between May 2018 and June 2024 and NASA observations, with guidance from solar scientist Professor Lucie Green of University College London.
Because looking directly at the Sun is unsafe, Helios offers a unique and imaginative opportunity to explore the Sun’s features including its sunspots, spicules, filaments, and
even the source region of the solar flares that produced the Northern Lights visible from the UK in May 2024.
Multidisciplinary artist, Luke Jerram, said: “The importance of the Sun for all life on planet Earth cannot be understated. Highly venerated and influencing humanity since the dawn of time, it has fascinated scientists, inspired musicians, poets and artists, in societies right across the world.
“The position of the Sun in relation to the Earth alters constantly and as such, this relationship has been used as a timekeeper, defining our measurement of time and calendars throughout the ages.
“As well as provoking a sense of awe and wonder with the opportunity to see our most important celestial body up close, I hope that Helios will prompt important discussion about different issues, such as the environment, physical and mental health and wellbeing. Presenting Helios in the middle of winter, when it’s cold outside and sunshine is scarce, might have the potential to make visitors feel better!”
Luke’s installation is enhanced by a specially-crafted surround-sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson – artists who are known for creating sonic-
experiences that engage audiences – fusing solar imagery, light and sound into a transcendent visitor experience.
Visitors can enjoy a lively programme of events alongside the display.
Entry is free and donations are welcome, but a booking system will be in place. Find out more, plan and book your visit here.
Photo: Helios at the Bath Assembly Rooms by James Dobson for the National Trust
