Celebrate the Downham Centenary with Helios

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Join us for a special moment in Downham’s Centenary celebrations as we welcome Helios – a spectacular seven-metre-wide sculpture of the sun by internationally acclaimed artist Luke Jerram.

Brought to Downham through a partnership between Lewisham Council and the National Trust, Helios is touring the UK in 2025 as part of the Trust’s new strategy launch. Downham is proud to be the only non-National Trust-owned site on the tour.

Inspired by solar science and mythology, Helios offers a detailed, immersive view of the sun’s surface, including sunspots and swirling solar winds. Created using over 400,000 NASA images, the sculpture invites reflection on our connection to nature, time, and the cosmos.

• Durham Hill, BR1 5EW
• Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd June 2025
• Open daily 7am to 11pm

Solstice Special:

Early opening and light up from 3:30am on Saturday 21st June 2025

Sunday 22 June activities:

• 11am to 12pm sunflower seed planting
• 1pm to 5pm drop in community craft quilting workshop
• 1pm to 5pm drop in family clay workshop.

The installation is weather-dependent and may close in high winds (not rain). Check our social media for updates – We Are Lewisham and Lewisham Council Instagram /facebook.

Exact location by children’s playground behind Downham Health and Leisure Centre, signage from centre.

Published: Jun 16, 2025