Helios at Dyffryn Gardens

We’re so pleased to say that with more favourable weather forecast we’re displaying Helios today (Friday 30 May). Last entry 8.30pm.

What is Helios?

This is a unique opportunity to see and experience a compelling piece of art which prompts feelings of awe, belonging, gratitude and inquisitiveness. Adult or child, old or young, every visitor will be enraptured by what they see on the South Lawn of Dyffryn Gardens.

Named after the ancient Greek god of the sun, Helios offers a detailed view of our solar system's greatest 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. 

Dyffryn Gardens is a wonderful opportunity to see the seven-metre spherical artwork outside. Helios will be displayed on the South Lawn, with the spectacular South Front bedding displays and reflective water displays in the background.

Helios has been co-commissioned by National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.​ 

When will Helios be at Dyffryn Gardens?

Visitors can see Helios on Friday 23 to Monday 26 May and Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June. These dates fall during May half-term, but because the artwork will be outside it can only be on display for four days at a time (to preserve it), so it won’t be on display for the whole of the half-term.

A sculpture like Helios takes time to put up and take down so the gardens will be closed to visitors on Wednesday 21 to Thursday 22 May and Monday 2 June. We'll be open as usual on 27-28 May with plenty of things to do for families whilst Helios isn't on display.

What time will you be able to see it?

So more visitors can experience Helios, Dyffryn Gardens usual opening hours are being adapted and expanded while it's on display:

23-26 May & 29 May-1 June: 10am-6pm (normal opening hours)

23-24 May & 30-31 May: 7-10pm

A great opportunity to see the sun setting on the sun! The entirety of the garden will be open during these later hours, but we will encourage visitors to gather on the South Lawn from around 8.45pm so that we can all watch the sunset together, experiencing the sun setting on the artwork in community with one another. Last entry to the gardens will be 8.30pm.

30 May: 9-10am

This is a relaxed session and a great opportunity for those with additional sensory needs to experience Helios in a quieter, less busy environment.

What happens in bad weather?

While we’re all hoping for fine weather while Helios is on display it would be quite cool to see rain dripping off the sun! The artwork is lit from the inside, so it will look just as spectacular in inclement weather as it will on a dry day. However, Helios will be temporarily removed from display if the wind picks up, to ensure the safety of the artwork and visitors.

In the event of windy weather, please check Dyffryn Gardens social media and website for updates before you travel.

Do I need to book?

There’s no pre-booking to see Helios or visit the gardens. Please be aware that our busiest periods are always between 11am-3pm so if you’d like a quieter experience, it’s best to come before or after these times.

What's the cost?

There will be no extra charge to experience Helios, normal admission will apply, Dyffryn Gardens is free for National Trust members.

Find all admission prices here.

Is it accessible?

Dyffryn Gardens is largely accessible with blue badge parking, accessible toilets at regular intervals and step-free routes around the garden.

A volunteer-run buggy takes visitors around the gardens.

The route to and from Helios is fully accessible. Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to hire free of charge. Please pre-book these to ensure availability. Phone to book:  02920 593 328.

There is seating around Helios, such as outdoor beanbags, deckchairs and more accessible seating.

Sensory backpacks for younger neurodivergent visitors, are free for anyone to borrow with no booking or deposit required (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

Backpacks include ear defenders, worry stones and fidget toys. Ask the Welcome Team for one when you arrive.

Will the cafés be open?

Dyffryn Gardens has two cafés; both will be open during the Helios exhibition and in line with the expanded opening hours. Our cafés serve both hot and cold snack-style foods including sandwiches, toasties, pasties, cakes and bakes, and the all-important ice-cream selection. They also sell hot and cold beverages which include alcoholic drinks.

We also allow and encourage picnics at Dyffryn Gardens so feel free to bring a portable feast with you.

What about parking?

There is free parking in the visitor car park, with blue badge and EV parking.

Please be aware that our parking is limited but we will do our best to accommodate every car. With this in mind, we would ask everyone to park responsibly, with other visitors in mind, taking into consideration designated parking bays and areas. There may be occasions when we need to hold you at the entrance until a space becomes free or turn you away and ask you to come back later or on an alternative day.

What else can I see and do?

There are other exhibitions and family events at Dyffryn Gardens during May half-term and when Helios is on display.

Here’s a list of the programming you’ll be able to enjoy alongside Helios:

• Sun inspired crafts (24 May-1 June, 11am-3pm)
• A dressing up station, with space-themed costumes for both humans and dogs!
• Creative kits so that you can make your own Helios-inspired work of art
• A sun trail around the gardens
• An exhibition in the Morning Room
• Sunbeam-shaped mini meadows on the South Lawns
• Solar viewing with Cardiff Astronomical Society (25 May & 31 May-1 June, 10am-4pm)
• Giant lawn games
• The accompanying scale Earth Luke Jerram has created to provide perspective for the size of the sun

Sun inspired crafts

Children’s crafts will be running every day from Saturday 24 May-Sunday 1 June (including the days when Helios isn’t on display – 27 & 28 May). They’ll be running from 11am-3pm in the Cory Centre and include things like paper sun crowns and ornaments, sun pompoms, tissue-paper stained glass window decorations, colouring in and more. The craft sessions are either volunteer-led or self-led, you’ll be provided with all the materials you need to make your solar-themed craft to take home (or add to the visitor art wall).

Craft sessions are aimed at kids but are fun for all the family! If you need help finding the Cory Centre, just ask the friendly Welcome Team when you arrive or pick-up a free map.

Solar Viewing with Cardiff Astronomical Society

On Saturday 24 May, Sunday 25 May, Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June see the (actual) sun close-up at Dyffryn Gardens with the Cardiff Astronomical Society. They’ve got all the right kit to help you safely enjoy the view with their safe solar scopes and solar viewing glasses. The friendly CAS team will be on hand to chat about the sun, share cool facts about the sky, and give out free colourful solar information hand-outs to take away with you. 

CAS will be on the South Front, very near Helios from 10am-4pm, drop by and see them when you visit.

Performance of ‘Pili-Pala’ by Motion Control Dance Company

On Saturday 24 May from 1-3pm watch Motion Control Dance company perform ‘Pili-Pala’ under Helios and join in to experience the joy of dance in a unique setting. Motion Control is a unique dance company made up of children and young people who have a variety of additional needs. The ‘Pili-Pala’ dance is inspired by the metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly, symbolising resilience, growth, and transformation. After their performance, Motion Control will encourage visitors to join in with some inclusive and simple choreography.

And this isn’t all! We’ll confirm other Helios events in the coming weeks so be sure to bookmark this webpage and follow us on social media. Information will be regularly updated as more events and programming get confirmed.