The UK’s largest and most dynamic Cathedral, Liverpool Cathedral has announced it will be the first venue in North West England and the first Cathedral to host Helios, the newest touring artwork by renowned British artist Luke Jerram. This awe-inspiring illuminated sculpture of the Sun will be on display from Friday 4th April to Friday 9th May 2025.
Helios offers an extraordinary view of the Sun, measuring an impressive seven meters in diameter, providing visitors with a safe and detailed look at its surface. With imagery at a scale of 1:200 million, every centimetre of the artwork represents 2000km of the Sun’s surface. The internally lit sculpture highlights sunspots, spicules, filaments, and even the origins of solar flares that recently brought the Northern Lights to the UK.
Visitors will also be immersed in a specially commissioned surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, featuring fire sounds, NASA solar mission recordings, summer beaches, and uplifting ambient music, connecting audiences with the Sun’s role in life, health, and culture.
Liverpool Cathedral is no stranger to hosting Luke Jerram’s extraordinary works. In 2018, Museum of the Moon drew in an impressive62,000 visitors, while Gaia captivated over 200,000 people in 2019, cementing the Cathedral’s reputation as a hub for awe inspiring experiences. The arrival of Helios will make Liverpool Cathedral the first venue in the world to display all three celestial artworks.
The artwork will briefly be removed on the evening of Thursday 17th April to accommodate Easter services, before returning on Easter Sunday, in time for the sunrise service at 05.30, to continue dazzling visitors until Friday 9th May.
Very Revd Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, states:
“We are thrilled to be the first cathedral to host Helios as we continue working closely with Luke Jerram on this wonderful lineup of celestial installations. Helios is a stunning celebration of the Sun’s life-giving power and its significance across cultures and faiths. It’s a privilege to bring such an awe-inspiring installation to our community and visitors, reaffirming our place at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural life. We are delighted that Helios will be installed over the Easter period which helps us to reflect on light and the life giving light of the resurrection which brings new life. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience this breathtaking artwork in our magnificent space.”
Co-commissioned by Liverpool Cathedral alongside National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Old Royal Naval College and University College London, Helios marks a milestone in cultural and artistic innovation. Its debut in Liverpool Cathedral as an indoor installation underscores the city’s reputation as a cultural powerhouse and Liverpool Cathedral’s commitment to leading the way in art and culture. It will be the first time that the intricate surface detail of the Sun will be seen by many people and even features the source of the solar flares which caused the Northern lights to be visible from the UK in May 2024.
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice has captivated audiences worldwide. Elected as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2019, Jerram is known for merging art and science to inspire awe, wonder, and dialogue.
Luke says:
“The importance of the Sun for all life on planet Earth cannot be understated. It has fascinated scientists, inspired musicians, poets and artists, in societies right across the world. Helios not only offers an up-close view of our most vital celestial body but also sparks conversations about the environment, mental health, and the unifying power of the Sun across cultures. As a focal point for community and culture in the city and venue of national importance, I am delighted that Liverpool Cathedral will be one of the first venues to present Helios. My ‘Museum of the Moon’ and ‘Gaia’ artworks were incredibly popular when they were presented at the cathedral, and I hope that Helios provides an equally uplifting experience for visitors.”
Plan Your Visit
- Open to the Public: Friday 4th April – Friday 9th May 2025
- Closed for Easter Services: Closed for Easter Services: Evening of Thursday 17th April – Back open Easter Sunday 20th April for the Sunrise Service at 05.30
Don’t miss this radiant opportunity to explore the Sun like never before, only at Liverpool Cathedral. Join us as we illuminate Liverpool Cathedral with the brilliance of Helios.
A programme of events and tickets will soon follow, so be sure to check our website and socials for updates!
You can visit the website for more information.
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