See the Painted Hall in a new light

Looking for some winter sun? Be the first to see Luke Jerram’s newest and most ambitious artwork, Helios, at the London premiere at the Old Royal Naval College.

Co-commissioned by the Old Royal Naval College, this new seven-metre celestial artwork by the celebrated British installation artist will bring light and wonder to the majestic Painted Hall, one of the most impressive Baroque interiors in Europe. Helios promises a sunny escape – sans passport –  in an extraordinary setting, complemented by an exceptional programme of events celebrating wellbeing and culture.

“The soundscape, lighting and sheer scale of Helios, make this the most dramatic and ambitious of my designs and I cannot wait to see it showcased in the Painted Hall. This installation is designed to be thought-provoking and inspire awe. It is also a unique opportunity to discover the grandeur of this iconic hall and the many celestial, mythological and historical themes it explores in its painted ceiling.” – Luke Jerram

About Helios

Named after the ancient Greek and Roman sun god, symbolic of time and life, Helios honours the Sun’s profound impact on human history and culture. Every centimetre of the seven metre internally lit artwork represents 2000km of the Sun’s fiery expanse. This is a rare opportunity to closely examine the star’s extraordinary surface in astonishing detail.

At a scale of 1:200 million, every centimetre of the seven metre internally lit masterpiece represents 2000km of the Sun’s fiery expanse. Visitors will be captivated by the intricate beauty of sunspots, spicules, and filaments, including the solar activity that produced the UK’s mesmerising Northern Lights in May 2024. The imagery for the artwork has been compiled using photographs of the Sun provided by Astrophotographer Dr Stuart Green (taken between May 2018 to June 2024) and NASA observations of the Sun, with guidance from solar scientist, Professor Lucie Green of University College London (UCL).

The installation is a fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially created surround sound composition by acclaimed artists Duncan Speakman and Sarah Anderson. Together, the soundscape and sculpture take audiences on a sensory journey, igniting curiosity and awe about both the closest star to Earth.

Events under Helios

Sustainable Fine Dining with Douglas McMaster
Sat 25 Jan | 7pm-10.30pm
An unforgettable dining experience with Douglas McMaster, chef patron and owner of Silo, the world’s first zero-waste restaurant. Find out more.

Valentine’s Dinner in the Painted Hall
Fri 14 Feb | 7pm-10.30pm
Bask in the glow of love (and Helios) with an unforgettable Valentine’s Day fine dining experience in the Painted Hall. Find out more.

Lie Down and Listen | All Is Full of Love
Fri 14 Mar & Sat 15 Mar | 6.30pm & 8.30pm
Immerse yourself in a journey of love and light with a meditation experience featuring Tibetan bowl sound therapy, classical piano melodies and poetry on the theme of love. Find out more.

Step into the Cosmos | Silent Disco
Sat 22 Mar | 7.30pm-11pm
A silent disco like no other, featuring cosmic pop anthems and space-themed cocktails available for purchase at the bar. Find out more.