Helios Lights Up London

By Matthew Mees, Chief Executive

As we announce the news about our next art installation, Helios, and unveil our exciting 2025 public programme, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the vital role the Old Royal Naval College plays in redefining how heritage spaces can actively contribute to society in meaningful and innovative ways today. 

Our approach to heritage has quickly evolved over the years to combine preservation with creative year-round programming, reaching a greater and broader number of people. We are proud to be a dynamic, evolving space that blends past and present. We work hard to conserve the past, preserve our stories, be they about the Royal Navy, Tudor kings and queens or Georgian life, but we also enrich the present, striving to shape a vibrant, connected society.  

Last year, the Painted Hall became a stage where art and architecture met – contemporary artists and designers like Paul Cocksedge, Luke Jerram and Melek Zeynep Bulut engaged with the heritage and beauty of the Painted Hall in exciting ways. Cross-disciplinary collaborations combining art & design, architecture, and science with the history of the Old Royal Naval College creating immersive and multi-sensory experiences.

The awe-inspiring scale of art installations like Coalescence, Duo, and Mars, spark imagination and curiosity. I often stand back and watch people of all ages not just passively observing, but actively engaging – playing, sharing and creating lasting memories. 

Feedback from our audiences has been extraordinary. In December we had three of our highest ever ticket sales days – no small feat in these challenging times. Our Visitor Experience Team alongside others have a vital role in this success, making our wonderful riverside site a place of welcome, joy and connecting people to this special place. 

At the end of January, we follow Mars with a brand-new celestial artwork, Helios. The Old Royal Naval College’s collaboration with Luke Jerram on Helios reflects the power of partnerships in creating extraordinary cultural experiences. Co-commissioning this brilliant artwork demonstrates how we can combine expertise and creativity to bring new projects to life. Together, we illuminate the beauty and mystery of the Sun, the magnificence of the Painted Hall as well as the stories the paintings tell.  

The Painted Hall with its depictions of gods, monarchs, and mythological scenes is a celebration of Baroque artistry and human history – stories celebrating power, ambition, and artistic achievement from the early 18th century. Every brushstroke invites visitors to reflect on our history and the people who shaped it.  

It’s a unique opportunity to shine a beam of light on the Painted Hall ceiling where the classical sun god Apollo is portrayed, riding his chariot across at the very top of ‘The Triumph of William and Mary’, the centrepiece painting in the lower hall. It was painted between 1720-1727 by James Thornhill and celebrates the accession of married and joint sovereigns King William III and Queen Mary II to the throne of Great Britain in 1689. Also of note on the ceiling are astronomers. The earliest of these is Nicolaus Copernicus, born on 19 February 1473. He is painted holding up a golden ‘system’, as Thornhill called it, representing his version of a heliocentric Solar System with the human-faced sun at the centre; a planet, probably Earth, in orbit around it; and a little moon orbiting around the Earth. 

By connecting ancient myths and Baroque architecture with contemporary issues like space exploration, we are providing learning opportunities to diverse, intergenerational audiences. It is part of our ongoing commitment to breathe new life into this magnificent site and ensure its relevance. Beyond learning, our beautiful buildings and grounds promote wellbeing, offering a sense of awe and tranquillity and a break from the ordinary.  

None of this is possible without the incredible vision of our collaborators, the dedication and resourcefulness of our staff and volunteers, and our donors and supporters. During these tough times for heritage, support like this enables us to preserve this priceless heritage and keep its stories alive for future generations.   

We are also a versatile canvas for the creative industries to bring the past, present, and future to life on screen. 2025 also marks a century of cinematic magic at the Old Royal Naval College, cementing its status as an iconic location for over 200 film and TV productions. From its Baroque grandeur designed by Sir Christopher Wren to its unmistakable domes and colonnades, the site has captivated filmmakers with its authenticity and storytelling potential.  

Throughout the year, we are hosting more indoor and outdoor spectacles; with a new music festival, more theatre, community events, continuing to make it a cherished place in the heart of Greenwich and London.  

Our work does not stop here, we want to continue to inspire people and foster innovation by transforming our spaces and embracing creative partnerships. At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich history of the Old Royal Naval College, ensuring it remains relevant and accessible to all for all time.