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
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.
Helios: Reading Astronomical Society 16 & 23 August
Learn more about the sun, stars and solar system as part of Helios at Basildon Park.
Helios: Art Activity 15 to 18 & 22 to 25 August
Get inspired by the sun and nature and channel your inner artist during Helios at Basildon Park from 15 to 18 and 22 to 25 August.
Helios: Kalakunj dance performance 23 August
Watch a dance performance inspired by Shiva as part of Helios at Basildon Park.