Old Royal Naval College Greenwich

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. Social Media Mondays - Every Monday | 10.15am – 11.15am To better facilitate those looking for the perfect shot, the Social Media ticket has reduced capacity. Posing and selfies are encouraged! Thursday Lates - Every Thursday | Open to 8pm Stay up late with Helios. The Painted Hall is open every Thursday evening for a glowing night-time experience. Quiet Hour Fridays - Every Friday | 10.15am – 11.15am This session is intended for those that want to appreciate the space in a more relaxed environment with a reduced number of visitors. First Sundays Visit Helios on the first Sunday of the month and gain full entry for only £5.

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