Luke Jerram's Helios at Basildon Park
We're displaying Helios at Basildon Park! Helios is a new artwork of the sun by Luke Jerram. From 15 to 18 and 22 to 25 August, Basildon park will display Helios in the Pleasure Grounds. This unique and immersive experience invites you to explore the sun's hidden beauty and power up close.
What is Helios:
Helios is a seven-metre sculpture of the sun which combines solar imagery, light and sound to highlight the sun’s intricate details.
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.
Helios has been co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London
How to see Helios
Helios will be displayed in the Pleasure Grounds near the Umbrello, looking over Railway Park. Visitors will be able to pass directly underneath Helios as they cross the gardens and gaze up at the sun from below. There will be beanbags for those who’d like to pause and take in the sights and sounds of Helios.
Bring a picnic and make a day of it or join in with one of our programming events.
Opening dates and times:
Helios will be up between 15 to 18 and 22 to 5 August. Whilst exhibiting 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.
House:
The house will be open from 12:30pm to 5pm with last entry at 4:15pm. The film exhibition will be open from 12:30pm to 9pm. From 5pm, access to the film exhibition space will be from the garden entrance. The South Pavilion will be open from 12pm to 9pm featuring a complimentary small exhibition. Find out more about how the sun affects our gardens and houses.
Gardens and Parkland:
The gardens will be open from 12pm to 10pm with last entry at 9pm whilst Helios is on display. The gardens have been planted with hot colours of reds, yellows and oranges to reflect the colours of the artwork.
Luke Jerram has also created a scale model of Earth to compliment Helios. Scale Earth will be on display on the terrace in the garden.
The parkland walks will close at 5pm. Please take note of the time and length of your walk before setting off.
Refreshments:
Refreshments will be available from the food outlets throughout the day and evening. There will be a special offer for the days Helios is up. The tearoom will be open from 12pm to 4pm serving sandwiches, salads, pasties, sausage rolls, cakes and drinks.
For the evening, there will be a BBQ in front of the mansion serving burgers, hotdogs, wedges including vegan options. Hot and cold drinks, alcohol, ice cream and bakes will also be available throughout the evening.
Shop:
The shop will be open from 12pm until 9pm. Come and browse our Helios inspired gifts and items and take a souvenir from your visit home.
Please note: In the event of high wind speeds or bad weather, Helios will need to close. Please check the website before travelling.
Events and activities around Helios
Join us for an exciting programme of events around Helios, inspired by the sun, space and wellbeing.
All activities are free. Please see the individual event pages for more information about how to join in.