Helios brings the sun to Plymouth this September

This September, something extraordinary is coming to Plymouth – and it’s completely free.

From Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 September, the city will host Helios, a stunning, seven-metre-wide sculpture of the Sun, created by internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram. Suspended inside the historic Market Hall in Devonport, this immersive installation offers a truly unique perspective.

Whether you're a local looking for something inspiring to do, or a visitor exploring Devon, Helios offers a rare chance to experience the Sun like never before – up close, in dazzling detail, and surrounded by sound.

                                          
What Is Helios?

Helios is no ordinary sculpture. It’s a giant, internally lit sphere, created using high-resolution imagery from NASA, showing the Sun’s surface in extraordinary detail. From sunspots to solar flares, every centimetre of the sculpture represents around 2,000 kilometres of the Sun’s surface, making it a scientifically accurate and visually stunning piece of art.

The installation is accompanied by a surround-sound composition created by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, incorporating real NASA recordings of the Sun. The result is a multi-sensory experience that’s both educational and deeply atmospheric.

Named after the Ancient Greek god of the Sun, Helios follows Jerram’s previous astronomical artworks, including the globally celebrated Museum of the Moon, Gaia, and Mars. Each of these installations has captivated audiences around the world – and now, it’s Plymouth’s turn to host this celestial spectacle.

                    
Why Plymouth?

Plymouth is one of just a handful of UK locations chosen by the National Trust to host Helios in 2025. The city’s Market Hall, run by the Real Ideas Organisation, offers a unique setting for the sculpture – combining historic architecture with cutting-edge immersive technology.

Located in the heart of Devonport, the venue is easily accessible and provides a welcoming space for communities across the city and beyond. The installation reflects the National Trust’s commitment to bringing art, heritage, and nature closer to people.

“This is a fantastic moment for Plymouth,” says Olivia Meeson, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager 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.”

                                    

Events Under the Sun

Helios is more than just something to look at – it’s something to experience. Throughout the week, visitors can take part in a range of events, all set beneath the glowing Sun:

• Yoga under the Sun – Sunday 21 September, 8am–9am (booking essential, fee applies)
• Green Communities drop-in craft sessions – Tuesday 23 September (free, no booking required)
• Late-night opening – Friday 26 September, open until 8pm (free, no booking required)
• Pilates under the Sun – Saturday 27 September, 7.15am–8am (booking essential, fee applies)
• Silent disco – Details coming soon (booking essential, fee applies)

These events offer a chance to engage with the sculpture in new and creative ways – whether you're stretching into a yoga pose, crafting with friends, or dancing under the stars. Booking links will be going live soon.

                                 

Art Meets Science

Luke Jerram’s work is known for blending art, science, and public engagement, and Helios is no exception. The sculpture provides a safe way to explore the Sun’s surface – something we can’t do in real life without damaging our eyesight.

“We all know that it is very dangerous to look directly at the sun, as it can damage our eyesight,” says Jerram. “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 installation also includes a nod to the Northern Lights, which were visible over the UK in May 2024 due to solar flares. Jerram has incorporated the source of those flares into the sculpture, connecting the artwork to real-world phenomena and recent events.

“I hope that the soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios will combine to make an extraordinary and uplifting experience for the public,” he adds.

                                      
A New Vision for the National Trust

Helios is part of the National Trust’s new strategy, which aims to remove barriers to access and connect more people with heritage and nature. By bringing large-scale art into urban spaces like Devonport, the Trust is creating experiences for everyone.

“This is exactly what our new strategy is about,” says Olivia Meeson. “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.”

                                             
Plan Your Visit

Event details:

• Market Hall, Devonport, Plymouth
• Saturday 20 – Sunday 28 September 2025
• Open daily, 10am–4pm
• Special opening hours: Wednesday 24 September, 1pm–4pm
• Free entry (no booking required)

For more information and updates, visit:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram

                                     
Don’t Miss It

Whether you're fascinated by astronomy, looking for a unique day out, or simply want to experience something beautiful and free, Helios is a must-see. It’s a celebration of science, art, and community – and it’s right here in Plymouth.

Come and see the Sun like you’ve never seen it before.

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner.