Helios launch night

Don’t miss the official launch of Helios - a spectacular, illuminated sculpture of the Sun by internationally-acclaimed UK artist Luke Jerram.

Measuring five metres in diameter, Helios features detailed imagery of the Sun’s surface at extraordinary resolution, revealing sunspots, solar flares, spicules, and filaments. Accompanied by a surround-sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, the installation offers a rare and safe opportunity to explore our closest star.

Opening event programme

Professor Alice Roberts hosts a conversation with artist Luke Jerram and Professor Bill Chaplin from the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy. Together, they'll discuss how artistic practice and scientific research can inform and challenge one another and explore the possibilities of arts–science collaborations - from sparking public engagement to opening up new ways of thinking across disciplines.

You can also take part in artist-led activities with Sadie Barnett and Juneau Projects across the space and meet researchers leading fascinating solar research.

Whether you're interested in astronomy, contemporary art, or the space in between, join us to celebrate the launch of our 2026 public programme at The Exchange.

Registration is free. Please register your interest so that our teams can manage capacity.

Facilities and accessibility 

We’re committed to making The Exchange as welcoming and accessible as possible. There’s step-free access and accessible toilets on all floors, plus a Changing Places toilet on the basement level. Guide dogs and assistance animals are always welcome. If you have any questions about access, just drop us an email at engage@contacts.bham.ac.uk.