Helios Exhibition at the Painted Hall in Greenwich is like stepping into another world. With its intricate Baroque ceilings and rich history, it already feels like another world—but add Luke Jerram’s Helios exhibition in Greenwich, and it becomes an entirely different experience. It’s a unique blend of art, mythology, and science that took my breath away.
Why I Couldn’t Miss This Exhibition
If you know me, you’ll know I’ve been diving deep into Greek mythology lately. Reading Circe by Madeline Miller had me hooked, and Helios (Circe’s father in the book) completely captivated me. His presence in Circe—commanding, powerful, and as brilliant as the Sun itself—stuck with me. So when I heard about Luke Jerram’s Helios exhibition at the Painted Hall, I knew I had to see it.
For me, this wasn’t just about seeing an art installation. It was about bringing those myths I’ve been reading to life. The Painted Hall already features Apollo, often linked with Helios in mythology, riding his chariot across the sky, and adding Jerram’s glowing Sun sculpture felt like the myths stepping right out of the pages of Circe. It was like everything came full circle—mythology, art, and science all colliding in one place.
How Circe Led Me to Helios
If you’ve been following my reading journey, you’ll know I’ve been obsessed with Greek mythology retellings lately, and Circe by Madeline Miller was one of my standout reads.
In Circe, Helios isn’t just a distant sun god—he’s a powerful, commanding Titan and Circe’s father. His presence in the novel is almost blinding, both figuratively and literally. He radiates authority, demands obedience, and is utterly relentless. Reading about him in Circe made me see him as more than just the Sun—he’s a force of nature, an unyielding presence that shapes the world around him.
So when I heard about Luke Jerram’s Helios exhibition at the Painted Hall, I knew I had to see it. Standing beneath the glowing Sun sculpture felt like stepping into Circe’s world like I was seeing Helios through her eyes—blazing, untouchable, and magnificent.
If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, I highly recommend giving Circe a read. It’s a beautifully written, feminist retelling that brings the forgotten witch of Greek lore into the spotlight. You can check out my full review here.
The Myth of Helios and Apollo
In Greek mythology, Helios is the personification of the Sun, driving his chariot across the sky from dawn to dusk. Apollo, Zeus’s golden boy, eventually took on many of Helios’s characteristics in art and culture, blurring their stories together. The Painted Hall beautifully captures this in its ceiling, where Apollo is shown in his chariot ushering in a new day, with cherubs and divine grandeur all around him.
Seeing this scene above you while Luke Jerram’s Helios hangs below is something special. It connects ancient stories with modern art in a way that makes you stop and think about just how much the Sun has shaped our history and imagination.
A Nod to Science and Discovery
One of the coolest details in the Painted Hall is the way it also celebrates the shift toward heliocentrism (the idea that the Sun, not the Earth, is the centre of our solar system). When Thornhill painted the ceilings in the early 1700s, this concept was still fresh, and he included figures like Copernicus, holding his solar system model, and Newton, representing scientific progress.
It’s fascinating how the Baroque style used art to showcase not just mythology but also big ideas about science and the universe. Adding Jerram’s Helios to this setting feels like the perfect continuation of that tradition—science and art working together to inspire awe.
Luke Jerram’s Helios
Let’s talk about the star of the show (pun intended). Jerram’s Helios is a seven-meter glowing sphere based on NASA imagery of the Sun. Every sunspot and solar flare is captured in incredible detail, and the sculpture lights up the room. Paired with an immersive soundscape, it creates this dreamlike atmosphere where you feel like you’re standing in the presence of something truly celestial.
Seeing Helios against the backdrop of the Painted Hall’s rich gold and dramatic depictions of gods and kings is unforgettable. It’s a fusion of old and new, mythology and science, that left me feeling inspired and in awe of the world around us.
Why You Should See It
This isn’t just another art exhibit—it’s an experience. It’s about stepping into a space where stories, science, and creativity collide. Whether you’re into Greek mythology, astronomy, or just love a good visual spectacle, Helios offers something for everyone.
Archive visit information: Helios was displayed at the Painted Hall until 25 March 2025. Tickets were listed at £16.50 at the time, with sessions including Quiet Hour Fridays.
Luke Jerram in Greenwich — October 2026
Luke Jerram returns to Greenwich on Friday 9 October 2026 for an In Conversation event at the National Maritime Museum from 6.30pm–8pm. The talk will explore the stories behind works including Mirror Moon, Helios, Gaia and Tide, making it a lovely follow-on from this earlier Painted Hall visit.
Current direct prices are £14 adults and £11 students, with member prices of £12 adults and £10 students. Check availability and book direct with Royal Museums Greenwich →
Accessibility note: I could confirm general National Maritime Museum access information, including lifts to every floor and free carer admission, but not event-specific access arrangements for this talk. Check the official National Maritime Museum accessibility information and contact the bookings team if you need confirmation for the exact event space.
Planning a wider day nearby? My Greenwich Days Out, Events & Local Guide brings together the museums, heritage, local culture and current things to do across the borough.
For the original 2025 installation details, you can visit the Old Royal Naval College website.
Old Royal Naval College’s website for tickets → https://ornc.org
Luke Jerram’s official website → https://www.lukejerram.com
For me, seeing Helios was about connecting the dots between my love of mythology and my curiosity about the universe. The Painted Hall installation has now ended, but this review remains part of my Greenwich archive — and Luke Jerram’s October 2026 talk gives it a lovely new thread.
Have you seen one of Luke Jerram’s installations, or do you have another favourite immersive art experience? Let me know in the comments! xx
