‘Beautiful’ glowing sun sculpture will be landing at the University of Birmingham

Helios is a five-metre high, illuminated installation

A “beautiful” glowing sun sculpture will be landing at the University of Birmingham.

From March to November 2026, The Exchange will be hosting the huge illuminated artwork, Helios, by British artist Luke Jerram.

At five metres tall, the installation will be on display next spring, and it’s completely free to visit.

Suspended high above the Banking Hall, Helios will give visitors a close up look at the sun’s surface, revealing swirling sunspots and solar flares in stunning detail, the University of Birmingham reports.

The sculpture is made using 72dpi photographic imagery of the real sun and lit from within to cast a warm golden glow across the hall.

At five metres wide, Helios is 278 million times smaller than the real thing. Every centimetre of the sculpture represents 2,780km of the sun’s surface, meaning that at the same scale, the earth would be about the size of a golf ball.

The artwork will be accompanied by a surround sound piece from Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, and an exhibition created by scientists and researchers at the university. The display will explore climate change, space research and the vital role the sun plays in life on Earth.

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.”

Lauren Deere, interim director of public and cultural engagement, said: “We are so excited to be bringing Helios to Birmingham and Midlands audiences for free next Spring.”

Vice-chancellor Professor Adam Tickell added: “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.”

Jerram’s previous works, including Gaia, Oil Fountain and Tipping Point, have toured the world, blending art, science and environmental themes.

Helios officially opens at The Exchange in Centenary Square on 20th March, coinciding with the spring equinox. After its run in the city centre, it will move to a long-term home at the university’s Edgbaston campus, still free and open to all.

Featured image via Canva