National Trust Images / Bec Hughes
The National Trust presents Helios, a striking 7-metre outdoor sculpture by renowned artist Luke Jerram—combining sound and visuals inspired by the sun—on display at Basildon Park near Reading from 15–18 and 22–25 August 2025
This summer, the National Trust invites visitors to experience Helios, a dazzling 7-metre solar sculpture by artist Luke Jerram, on display at Basildon Park near Reading from 15–18 and 22–25 August 2025.
Set in the Pleasure Grounds with the Palladian mansion as a backdrop, Helios blends art and science through light, imagery, and a surround-soundscape featuring real NASA recordings of the sun. Visitors can walk beneath the glowing sphere, relax on beanbags, and enjoy the installation from afternoon into evening as it radiates against the darkening skies.
To celebrate, Basildon Park will host a vibrant programme of activities including:
- Evening BBQs and deckchairs on the lawn
- A late-opening tearoom with a special Helios-themed menu
- Live music, dance, Tai Chi, and children’s games
- Astronomy talks and solar telescope viewing
- Art stations, sensory exhibitions, and film-themed displays
At a scale of 1:200 million, the sculpture’s surface reveals sunspots, flares, and filaments in striking detail, offering a safe, awe-inspiring view of our star. Helios continues Jerram’s legacy of large-scale astronomical artworks, following Museum of the Moon, Gaia, and Mars.
National Trust Director John Orna-Ornstein called the collaboration “a bold way to connect people with nature and culture,” while Basildon Park’s General Manager Sebastian Conway added: “We want everyone to feel welcome and inspired by this extraordinary artwork.”
Entry to Helios is included with standard admission (free for National Trust members).