A seven-metre-wide glowing orb representing the sun has appeared at the National Museum Cardiff, offering visitors a free, immersive experience throughout the school summer holidays. The installation, titled Helios, opened on July 21, 2026, and will remain on display until August 31 before embarking on an international tour.
Artist Luke Jerram Returns to Cardiff
Following the success of his earlier work 'Museum of the Moon', artist Luke Jerram brings Helios to the museum where he once studied. Jerram, who studied fine art at what is now Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: 'I used to visit the museum every weekend to gaze in wonder at the incredible art on display, so, some 30 years later, it's a great privilege to have my artwork on display at an institution which was so influential on my development as an artist.'
Scientific and Artistic Collaboration
The sculpture is created using detailed NASA imagery and features 72 dpi resolution. At an approximate scale of 1:200 million, each centimetre of the internally lit sphere represents 2,000 km of the sun's surface. The artwork was meticulously compiled using 400,000 photographs taken by astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green between May 2018 and June 2024, combined with NASA observations and guidance from solar scientist Professor Lucie Green of University College London.
An immersive soundscape composed by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson accompanies the installation, enhancing the experience for visitors.
Summer Programme and Special Events
The museum has organised a packed summer programme alongside Helios. Highlights include:
- Science of the Sun with Jon Chase on August 8, blending science, storytelling, and music.
- Museum Sleepover Under Helios on August 22 and 23, a special after-hours opening inspired by the solar eclipse.
- Solar Eclipse Late Night Opening on August 12, the day of the eclipse.
- Sunset Yoga sessions with Eleri Morgan from July 24 to August 28.
- Children's activities at the Clore Discovery Centre, including summer trails and making solar eclipse viewers.
Visitor Numbers and Expectations
Mared Maggs, head of National Museum Cardiff, expressed hope that Helios would match the success of the Museum of the Moon exhibition, which drew record numbers. She said: 'March and April were the busiest months we’ve had since the museum opened its doors back in 1920…and we’re really hoping to replicate that success.' She added: '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.'
Entry to the National Museum Cardiff is free, and visitors are encouraged to book ahead for updates on events. Helios is part of Haf o Hwyl (Summer of Fun), Amgueddfa Cymru's summer programme across its seven national museums.
