Helios at Basildon Park 15-18 & 22-25 August
We're displaying Helios at Basildon Park! Helios is a new artwork of the sun by Luke Jerram. This seven-metre sculpture combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun's intricate details.
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
Named after the ancient Greek god of the sun, Helios offers a detailed view of the star, including rare features like sunspots. The sculpture is scaled so that each centimetre represents 2,000 kilometres of the real sun's surface.
Along with its glowing light, Helios includes a soundscape featuring NASA recordings of the sun, by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Together, the light and sound create a unique and immersive experience, inviting us to explore the sun's hidden beauty and power up close.
While we exhibit Helios, we will open our site later and into the evening, from 12pm to 10pm, to show the sculpture at it's best. The site will open at 12pm, with last entry at 9pm.
The house will be open from 12:30pm to 5pm, last entry 4:15pm. The film exhibition will be open until 9pm, accessible from the garden entrance. The parkland walks will close at 5pm.
Refreshments will be available from the food outlets from 12:30 to 9pm including hot drinks, ice cream, cakes and a BBQ. The shop will be open from 12pm until 9pm.
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Children of all ages are welcome.
- Meeting point
Start your visit at Visitor Reception, who will point you in the direction of the art installation. The route to the art instillation will be lit by festoon lighting.
- Accessibility
Basildon Park has accessible footpaths around the pleasure grounds, and a buggy to offer lifts from Visitor Reception and back down to the carpark.
- Other
Helios will be exhibited outside in our pleasure grounds. This means that weather conditions may impact the times Helios is on display.
Upcoming events
Earth Photo, 21 June to 26 July
From 21 June to 26 July, this outdoor photography exhibition will showcase shortlisted entries from Earth Photo 2025 in the parkland.
Guided woodland walks at Basildon Park
Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting woodlands and sprawling estate of Basildon Park with our volunteer-led estate walk.
Summer of Play at Basildon Park, 26 July to 31 August
Are you ready for a Summer of Play? Join us at Basildon Park this summer holidays.
Summer of Play: Giant Art at Basildon Park
Get inspired by the size, colours and patterns of Helios and the solar system and add to our giant drawing.