Breathtaking illuminated sculpture of the Sun to go on display at The Exchange
The University of Birmingham has permanently acquired Helios, by British artist Luke Jerram, which will be on display for free next spring.
Helios by Luke Jerram. Credit: James Dobson
From March to November 2026, The Exchange will host Helios, a breathtaking, large-scale illuminated sculpture by acclaimed British artist Luke Jerram.
An edition of his celebrated international touring artwork of the same name, this smaller version will hang high at The Exchange’s Banking Hall, offering guests an immersive and unforgettable experience.
Using high-resolution (72dpi) photographic solar imagery, the sculpture reveals the astonishing details of the Sun's surface, from swirling sunspots to dramatic solar flares, all illuminated from within to cast a golden glow across the Banking Hall.
Measuring five metres in diameter, the artwork is 278 million times smaller than the actual Sun, with each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture representing 2780km of the Sun’s surface. At this scale planet Earth, in comparison to this sculpture of the Sun, would be 46mm across - about the size of a golf ball.
We are so excited to be bringing Helios to Birmingham and Midlands audiences for free next Spring. Luke is a wonderful artist who brings art and science together in a way that makes them not only accessible but also beautiful, encouraging the public to engage with the sciences.
The striking sculpture will also be enhanced by a specially created surround sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson.
To accompany the artwork, a wrap-around exhibition will showcase climate change and space research from leading scientists and academics at the University of Birmingham. Taking visitors on a journey from the depths of space, through our atmosphere, to the people, places, and creatures the Sun sustains, the exhibition highlights how seeing the Sun is central to understanding our planet’s past, present, and future.
The Exchange will also host an eight-month public programme of events responding to the sculpture, due to be announced in Spring 2026.
Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to and inspect its (the Sun's) extraordinarily detailed surface.
Lauren Deere, Interim Director of Public and Cultural Engagement at the University of Birmingham, said: “We are so excited to be bringing Helios to Birmingham and Midlands audiences for free next Spring. Luke is a wonderful artist who brings art and science together in a way that makes them not only accessible but also beautiful, encouraging the public to engage with the sciences. The sculpture will allow audiences to see the Sun up close, whilst our exhibition will allow them to know it. The experience will truly be out of this world.”
Luke Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice involves the creation of sculptures, installations and live art projects. Living in the UK but working internationally since 1997, Luke has created a number of extraordinary art projects which have excited and inspired people around the world. His artworks often combine arts, science and engineering, with many of his latest works, including Gaia, Oil Fountain, Inhale, and Tipping Point, drawing attention to planetary health.
Artist Luke Jerram said: “I'm thrilled the University of Birmingham has acquired the artwork. It is very dangerous to look at the Sun directly as it can damage our eyesight, so Helios provides a safe opportunity for the public to get up close to and inspect its extraordinarily detailed surface."
For more than 125 years, the University has brought together expertise across the arts and sciences, and this artwork brilliantly reflects our spirit of collaboration and discovery. I look forward to seeing how Helios engages and inspires our visitors.
Professor Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Birmingham, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Helios to The Exchange – the University of Birmingham’s home in the city centre. For more than 125 years, the University has brought together expertise across the arts and sciences, and this artwork brilliantly reflects our spirit of collaboration and discovery. I look forward to seeing how Helios engages and inspires our visitors.”
University of Birmingham has acquired Helios, which will be officially open to the public at The Exchange in Centenary Square from 20 March to coincide with the Spring Equinox.
Helios will move to long-term display at the Edgbaston campus following its time at The Exchange. It will continue to be free and accessible for all to enjoy.
You can find more information about the sculpture and exhibition on the University of Birmingham website.
Notes for editors
Notes for editors
For more information, please contact Ellie Hail, Communications Officer, University of Birmingham at e.hail@bham.ac.uk or alternatively on +44 (0)7966 311 409. You can also contact the press office on +44 (0) 121 414 2772.
- Photography credit: James Dobson.
- Caption: Helios by Luke Jerram.
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