Peterborough Cathedral has announced that it will be hosting Helios, a spectacular touring artwork by UK artist Luke Jerram, from 10 to 28 February 2026. The exhibition has been made possible by generous sponsorship from Peterborough Positive’s Small Grants Scheme. Suspended in the air and seven metres in diameter, this awe-inspiring, internally illuminated sculpture will offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Sun at an extraordinary level of detail and scale.
Luke Jerram’s Helios set to Illuminate Peterborough Cathedral
Gary Cowling, Events Manager at Peterborough Cathedral said:
“We are absolutely delighted to be hosting Helios at Peterborough Cathedral,”
“Luke Jerram’s installations have captivated our visitors time and again, and following the tremendous success of Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars here at the Cathedral, we are confident that Helios will be just as inspiring and memorable for all who come to see it.”
Helios has been co-commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London, marking a major collaborative investment in accessible, science-inspired public art. Using 72dpi imagery based on high-resolution photographs from astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green (2018–2024) and observations from NASA, Helios reproduces the Sun at a scale of approximately 1:200 million, with every centimetre on the sculpture representing 2,000km of the Sun’s surface.
This remarkable accuracy allows audiences to safely explore features such as sunspots, spicules, filaments, and even the solar flare source regions linked to the dramatic Northern Lights visible across the UK in May 2024. Scientific guidance for the project was provided by solar scientist Professor Lucie Green (UCL).
The installation also features a specially commissioned surround-sound composition by Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson, blending birdsong, choral textures, global musical influences, manipulated fire recordings and NASA mission audio to evoke both the Sun’s immense power and its deep cultural resonance. Rooted in ancient Greek mythology, the artwork takes its name from Helios, the Sun god who drove his four-horse chariot across the sky each day, bringing light, seasons and the rhythm of life to the world.
Artist Luke Jerram is internationally renowned for his multidisciplinary practice of sculptures, installations and live arts projects. Working globally since 1997, he creates thought-provoking artworks that often illuminate scientific and environmental themes. His celebrated astronomical installations, Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars, have reached millions worldwide, earning him recognition including election as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2019.
The sound artists behind the installation bring their own distinguished backgrounds. Duncan Speakman, a Bristol-based composer and sound artist, creates narrative sound experiences across public and private spaces and has received international awards for his immersive work. Sarah Anderson, a multi-instrumentalist and composer, works across classical, contemporary and experimental music, performing and collaborating with ensembles and artists across the UK and beyond.
Helios will be open to the public by suggested donation during regular Cathedral visiting hours. An accompanying programme of events is soon to be announced, offering visitors further opportunities to explore the science, mythology and artistry behind the work, while also enhancing Peterborough’s cultural offer. Pep Cipriano, Chief Operating Officer at Peterborough Positive, said:
“Supporting Helios through our Small Grants Scheme is a great example of how targeted investment can help bring ambitious, high-quality cultural experiences into the city centre. Installations like this not only inspire and engage residents and visitors, but also play an important role in increasing footfall, encouraging dwell time and supporting our local businesses.”
Helios will be at Peterborough Cathedral from 10 to 28 February 2026.
Photo : Helios at Bath Assembly Rooms, National Trust Images – James Dobson
