Following the huge success of Museum of the Moon earlier this year, internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram is returning to Cardiff with another breathtaking installation.
This summer, National Museum Cardiff will host Helios, a stunning seven-metre-wide illuminated sculpture of the Sun, created using detailed NASA imagery to reveal the incredible textures and colours of our nearest star.
The immersive artwork will be on display from 21 July until 30 August, giving visitors the chance to stand beneath the glowing sphere and experience the Sun like never before.
Accompanied by an atmospheric surround soundscape, Helios transforms the museum into a peaceful, immersive space where visitors can pause, look up and appreciate the beauty and scale of the star at the centre of our solar system.
Tickets for the free exhibition will be released at sunrise on 30 April, a symbolic launch reflecting the themes of light, warmth and renewal that inspired the installation.
Mared Maggs, Head of National Museum Cardiff, said: “After seeing how much people loved Museum of the Moon, we’re delighted to welcome visitors back for something just as magical. Helios has a real sense of warmth and renewal and feels like the perfect way to welcome the summer months. It’s a brilliant, free experience for families during the school holidays.”
Alongside the installation, the museum has organised a packed programme of events inspired by the Sun, including Sunset Yoga beneath the sculpture, Science of the Sun sessions with science rapper Jon Chase and a unique Museum Sleepover experience.
Luke Jerram added: “It was wonderful to share the Moon with Cardiff earlier this year, and I’m delighted to return with the Sun. Helios gives visitors the chance to experience something warm, bright and full of detail.”
Helios follows the enormous popularity of Museum of the Moon, which attracted thousands of visitors earlier this year, and is expected to be one of Cardiff’s standout cultural attractions during the summer holidays.
Entry to National Museum Cardiff is free, although visitors are encouraged to book in advance to receive updates about Helios and the accompanying programme of events.
