SkyCity has welcomed the rising of ‘Helios’ to the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC). It is the first time the large-scale artwork by internationally celebrated British artist Luke Jerram, will have been in New Zealand.
Measuring six metres in diameter, Helios is a touring, internally illuminated sculpture of the Sun, featuring detailed imagery of its surface. Created using a fusion of astrophotography, NASA solar observations and expert scientific guidance, the artwork offers an opportunity for the public to examine features of the Sun up close, revealing sunspots, spicules, filaments and the origins of solar flares.
Presented at an approximate scale of 1:230 million, each centimetre of Helios represents 2,300km of the Sun’s surface. At this scale, the Earth would be no larger than a tennis ball.
Luke Jerram, artist and fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, said: “Presented in public spaces, the artwork changes with every location, season and community, becoming both a sculpture and a shared venue for music, science, reflection and wellbeing. “As a life-giver that has shaped culture, timekeeping and belief systems across the world, the Sun connects us all, and Helios invites awe, curiosity and collective creativity at its core.”
Helios will be displayed at the NZICC for its opening celebration night on 12 February, 2026, before moving to a public showcase, 7–15 March 2026, in the Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall. Helios will be presented in association with the Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.
“Welcoming Helios to New Zealand reflects SkyCity and NZICC’s commitment to hosting world-class cultural experiences that inspire, educate and connect people,” said Jason Walbridge, CEO, SkyCity. “This is a special opportunity for New Zealanders to encounter one of the world’s most ambitious public artworks. We’re thrilled to have Luke Jerram’s masterpiece as part of our opening ceremony.”
Named after the ancient Greek god who personified the Sun, Helios continues Luke Jerram’s internationally acclaimed series of astronomical artworks, following Museum of the Moon, Gaia and Mars, which have collectively been experienced by tens of millions of people worldwide.
Helios has been co-commissioned by the National Trust, Cork Midsummer Festival, Liverpool Cathedral, Old Royal Naval College and University College London. For more public access and booking information, visit https://www.aucklandlive.co.nz/show/helios