Exhibition: 56th Parallel North

As part of The Year of Topography our exhibition in the Crush Hall focuses on natural and artificial physical features, as interpreted through works from the University’s permanent Art Collection.

Stirling lies almost exactly on the 56th Parallel North, the circle of latitude that is 56 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. The artists in our Collection are consistently interested in land and our place in it. In uncertain times and with rapidly evolving landscapes, art has the power to help us make sense of our topography, to challenge our assumptions and to interpret our place in the world. If you are standing on the circle, you know exactly where you are.

This group show will feature work from artists such as Philip Hughes, Kate Downie and Alec Finlay.

Image: Inverkirkaig to Suilven (2007), Philip Hughes CBE.

About the Year of Topography

The Art Collection aims to make art and culture a part of everyday life for staff, students and visitors throughout the campus.  We support academics to enable exchanges between art, research and teaching, and inspire everyone to engage with art. Each academic year, all of the Art Collection’s activities are directly inspired by one of the University research themes.  We have designated the 2026-7 session The Year of Topography. All exhibitions and events will consider the arrangements of natural and artificial structures and how artists and researchers work to make sense of our changing landscapes.

Visiting Us

Our exhibitions are on display in the central spine of the Pathfoot Building. The building is open to the public between Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Please be aware that the Pathfoot Building is a working teaching building, with students going to classes, academic conferences or private events happening concurrently with your visit. If you require a quiet visiting time, please get in touch with us and we will advise you on the best times for access.

At Pathfoot, there are food and beverage outlets in the Crush Hall and the Dining Room. See the University’s catering website for more information.

Getting Here

The Pathfoot Building is the first building on the left, up the hill as you enter the University. The University of Stirling’s campus is just two miles from the centre of Stirling in central Scotland. We're served by excellent fast public transport links from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and are easily accessible by bus, foot and bike from Stirling city centre or Bridge of Allan. Please be aware that during term time, parking can be extremely busy. See the University Getting Here Page to plan your route.

Get in Touch

You can contact the Art Collection team by 

Email: Art.Collection@stir.ac.uk 

Phone: 01786466050

Office: E1, Pathfoot Building 

Follow the Art Collection on Instagram and Facebook: @artatstirling