Helios at Coventry Charterhouse
See the sun like never before as Luke Jerram's iconic sculpture shines inside the walled garden at Coventry Charterhouse. Experience Helios from 31 July – 3 August and 7 – 10 August 2025.
What is Helios?
This summer, experience the awe-inspiring new artwork Helios by Luke Jerram.
Named after the sun god of Greek mythology, this seven-metre-wide sculpture combines light, high-resolution solar imagery and sounds recorded by NASA to reveal the sun’s surface in stunning detail.
Suspended within the peaceful walled garden at the Charterhouse, Helios will shine under open skies; an unforgettable contrast of light, nature and a beautiful historic setting.
For the Carthusian monks who once lived here, the sun guided their days, its light marking moments of prayer, work and reflection.
One centimetre of the sculpture represents 2000km of the real sun’s surface. Paired with a custom soundscape created from NASA recordings, this immersive installation invites you to see and hear the sun in a way you never have before.
Helios has been co-commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London.
How to see Helios
Helios will be at Coventry Charthouse from the 31 July - 3 August and the 7 - 10 August 2025. The sculpture will be suspended in the walled gardens.
Helios by day
31 July – 3 August & 7 – 10 August 2025
9am – 5pm
There’s no need to book for daytime visits and no additional charge to view the sculpture. Admission is free for everyone on both Thursdays (31 July & 7 August). On all other days, normal admission applies (free for National Trust members).
Helios by night
1, 2 and 9 August
8 – 10pm
Experience Helios after dark, glowing beneath the night sky in the walled garden. Evening events offer a quieter, more atmospheric setting. Tickets must be pre-booked for evening entry, including for National Trust members.
Evening sound bath under Helios
Thu 7 Aug 2025
18:30 - 19:30
Explore the therapeutic benefits of sound as you rest under Luke Jerram's awe inspiring Helios.
Bryony will take you on a journey of relaxation, through a variety of sounds and instruments which will complement this breathtaking sculpture of the Sun. Whether you’re new to sound baths or returning to a familiar practice, this is a unique chance to relax in the peaceful walled garden at Charterhouse.
Instruments may include gongs, crystal bowls, drums and chimes.
Tickets must be pre-booked for evening entry, including for National Trust members.
Sounds of the sun – music & storytelling family workshop
Fri 8 Aug 2025
13:00 - 15:00
As part of our Helios display at Coventry Charterhouse, join us for a special family workshop celebrating the sun through music and storytelling.
Supriya Nagarajan and Lucy Nolan will lead this vibrant session, exploring stories about the sun god Surya and the elephant-headed god Ganesha through South Indian vocal singing and the sounds of the harp.
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply.
Helios by night with one-off live performance
8 August
8 – 10pm
On this special evening, Helios will be accompanied by a live musical performance of Surya, a powerful new work by arts organisation Manasamitra.
Tickets for this exclusive event must be pre-booked for evening entry, including for National Trust members.
Please note: the house will be closed during evening events, but the gardens will remain open for viewing Helios.