Helios Rises: Luke Jerram Brings a Radiant Sun Sculpture to National Museum Cardiff

Following the huge success of Museum of the Moon earlier this year, artist Luke Jerram is set to return to National Museum Cardiff with an awe-inspiring new installation—Helios, a monumental illuminated sculpture of the Sun.

Tickets for the highly anticipated artwork will be released at sunrise on 30 April, a symbolic gesture that mirrors the installation’s central themes of light, warmth and renewal. It’s a fitting way to herald the arrival of a piece that promises to be one of the cultural highlights of Cardiff’s summer.

On display from 21 July to 30 August, Helios takes the form of a glowing, seven-metre-wide sphere, meticulously created using detailed NASA imagery. Visitors will be invited to step beneath its radiant surface and explore the intricate textures, colours and movements of our closest star in an entirely new way. Accompanied by an immersive soundscape, the installation offers a calm, contemplative environment—encouraging audiences to pause, look up and experience something quietly extraordinary.

For many in Cardiff, Jerram’s return will feel especially welcome. His previous work, Museum of the Moon, drew large crowds and captured imaginations across the city. Now, Helios looks set to build on that success, offering another accessible yet deeply moving encounter with art and science.

Mared Maggs, Head of Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, reflected on the excitement surrounding the installation: “After seeing how much people loved Museum of the Moon, we’re delighted to welcome visitors back for something just as magical. Helios has a real sense of warmth and renewal and feels like the perfect way to welcome the summer months. It’s a brilliant, free experience for families during the school holidays.”

Alongside the sculpture itself, the museum is curating a lively programme of events designed to complement the installation. Highlights include Sunset Yoga sessions held beneath the glowing sphere, interactive Science of the Sunexperiences with science rapper Jon Chase, and even a special overnight museum sleepover—offering visitors the chance to experience the artwork in a truly unique setting.

Speaking about the project, Jerram said: “It was wonderful to share the Moon with Cardiff earlier this year, and I’m delighted to return with the Sun. Helios gives visitors the chance to experience something warm, bright and full of detail.”

Events like Helios highlight the vital role that major cultural institutions play in making art accessible to all. In Wales, where community engagement and inclusivity are central to the arts, free installations of this scale are particularly significant. They not only attract large and diverse audiences but also create shared cultural moments—bringing families, friends and visitors together in a space that feels open and welcoming.

At a time when many people are seeking meaningful, low-cost ways to engage with culture, experiences like this offer something special: a chance to connect with art that is both visually spectacular and quietly reflective. They also reinforce Cardiff’s growing reputation as a hub for ambitious, accessible arts programming.

Entry to National Museum Cardiff remains free, though visitors are encouraged to book tickets in advance to receive updates and make the most of the summer programme. Helios is expected to draw significant interest—so early booking is strongly recommended.

With its blend of art, science and shared experience, Helios looks set to light up Cardiff once again—offering a warm, glowing reminder of the power of creativity to bring people together.