'Helios' exhibition opens in Plymouth to learn more about our closest star
The artists says the artwork 'provides an opportunity for people to look at the sun up close for the first time'
Last updated 23rd Sep 2025
West Country artist Luke Jerram has been telling us why he wanted to support a National Trust ambition to connect people, nature and art.
His huge seven-metre replica of the sun is now on show in Devonport Market Hall - having previously displayed replicas of the Moon, Earth and Mars during his career.
Luke said: "ordinarily of course we're not allowed to look at the surface of the sun as the sun is obviously really bad for our eyes - so this artwork provides an opportunity for people to look at the sun up close for the first time and see all the sun spots and all the details.
"Within the installation space there'll also be a sculpture of the Earth and the sun artwork is seven metres in diameter and on that scale the Earth is about the size of a tennis ball, so it's about 6cm in diameter."
A spokesperson for the exhibition said: "Created using over 400,000 images of the sun’s surface and inspired by NASA’s solar observations, Helios brings the swirling solar winds, sunspots, and filaments to life.
"Internally lit and accompanied by a surround sound composition featuring actual recordings of the sun, this immersive installation invites you to explore the hidden beauty and power of our closest star.
"Helios is touring the UK to mark the launch of the National Trust’s new 10-year strategy, connecting people with nature, art, and science in bold new ways. Its visit to Devonport Market Hall is part of a nationwide programme to make this extraordinary artwork accessible to all."
Come and experience this free event at Devonport Market Hall from Saturday 20th - Sunday 28th September 2025.
Experience the sun like never before as Helios, a breath-taking seven-metre sculpture by renowned artist Luke Jerram, arrives at Devonport Market Hall in Plymouth this September.
Created using over 400,000 images of the sun’s surface and inspired by NASA’s solar observations, Helios brings the swirling solar winds, sunspots, and filaments to life in stunning detail. Internally lit and accompanied by a surround sound composition featuring actual recordings of the sun, this immersive installation invites you to explore the hidden beauty and power of our closest star.
Helios is touring the UK to mark the launch of the National Trust’s new 10-year strategy, connecting people with nature, art, and science in bold new ways. Its visit to Devonport Market Hall is part of a nationwide programme to make this extraordinary artwork accessible to all.