World-renowned artist Olafur Eliasson has today unveiled Your planetary assembly, his first permanent public artwork in the UK, at the opening of Oxford North, the city’s flagship innovation district.
The major installation, commissioned by Oxford North, features eight illuminated planetary sculptures arranged throughout Fallaize Park, a new two-acre public green space at the heart of the £1.2bn development.
Inspired by science and history
Eliasson, whose acclaimed works include The weather project at Tate Modern (2003) and the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion (2007), drew inspiration from the orreries, mechanical solar system models, housed in Oxford’s History of Science Museum.
Each sculpture takes the form of a striking glass polyhedron. From dusk, the works will be lit in colours echoing the dominant tones of telescopic imagery of the planets, guiding visitors along the park’s winding paths.
“Your planetary assembly at Oxford North is an invitation to co-create space, to gather, talk and share,” said Eliasson. “Inspired by planetary orbits, these illuminated polyhedra provide orientation, connection and a reminder that we inhabit both local and cosmic communities.”
A new cultural landmark
Situated next to the district’s new Red Hall, a distinctive four-storey hub of workspaces, shops and café, the park and artwork are part of Oxford North’s commitment to placemaking.
Fallaize Park is named after Professor Elizabeth Fallaize (1950–2009), the first female fellow of St John’s College and pro-vice chancellor of the University of Oxford.
Victoria Collett, development director at Thomas White Oxford and chair of the Oxford North Public Art Steering Group, said:
“Olafur Eliasson’s breathtaking installation marks the beginning of a long-term cultural legacy programme for Oxford North, in collaboration with organisations across the city.”
Collaboration and community
The project was delivered with the Contemporary Art Society Consultancy and supported by a Public Art Steering Group that included local residents, students, Oxford City Council, Modern Art Oxford and IF Oxford Science and Ideas Festival.
It forms part of Oxford North’s wider ‘Engage’ legacy programme, which will include theatre, science festivals and community arts partnerships. Creation Theatre has already developed a walking performance inspired by the Solar System, to be showcased at the IF Oxford festival on 24 October.
Oxford North: a new district for science, culture and community
The unveiling of Your planetary assembly comes as part of the official launch of Oxford North, a £1.2 billion, 64-acre global innovation district that promises to be one of the UK’s most important new hubs for science and technology.
Oxford North has been designed as a powerhouse for the future economy, deliberately positioned at the intersection of academia, commerce and community. The masterplan includes up to 1 million sq ft of new laboratory and office accommodation, new housing, community facilities and significant green public realm.
The ambition is to create a district where start-ups, spin-outs and global industry leaders can co-exist and collaborate, supported by spaces that cater for the full lifecycle of science and technology businesses – from fitted labs and turnkey solutions through to bespoke grow-on buildings.
Phase 1A, which opens alongside Fallaize Park and Eliasson’s work, includes nearly 160,000 sq ft of flexible lab and office space and the Red Hall, a distinctive four-storey centrepiece that will host co-working spaces, community events, retail units, and an 80-seat café.
Future phases will see the delivery of three new laboratory buildings providing an additional 374,400 sq ft of workspace. The district is being delivered by Oxford North Ventures, a joint venture between St John’s College (through its development arm Thomas White Oxford), the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and UK developer Stanhope, supported by masterplanner Fletcher Priest Architects and landscape architect Gustafson Porter + Bowman.
Simon Ruck, managing director of Oxford North, said:
“Inspirational public realm is central to Oxford North’s vision. Olafur’s cosmic sculptures will illuminate Fallaize Park and create cultural moments for everyone who visits, works or lives here.”
By combining cutting-edge research facilities, world-class design, and cultural placemaking initiatives like Eliasson’s installation, Oxford North aims to set a new global benchmark for how innovation districts can support science while enriching local communities.
At a glance
- Artwork: Your planetary assembly by Olafur Eliasson
- Location: Fallaize Park, Oxford North
- Features: Eight illuminated glass polyhedron sculptures inspired by the planets
- Opening: 30 September 2025 – part of Oxford North’s first phase launch
