A student admiring a painting at the Smith Art Gallery

Art and Culture

Stirling was Scotland's only city longlisted for UK City of Culture 2025, and is a thriving cultural hub with galleries, museums, cinemas and even some filming locations.

Cultural campus 

You don't need to venture outside the campus for your entertainment fix. University of Stirling students can access the best arts, comedy and theatre at the Macrobert Arts Centre right here on campus. Our community arts venue showcases the latest arthouse and mainstream cinema, live performances and art exhibitions.

There's even more to discover with the art collection at Pathfoot Building, which has an ever-changing programme of art exhibitions. Or go for a walk around the campus and admire the sculptures dotted around our beautiful grounds. See more about the culture on campus.

Cultural city

In Stirling city, you'll find a multiplex cinema and live arts venues like The Albert Halls and the Tolbooth. Over the centuries, the Tolbooth building has served as a courthouse, a jail and even the Scottish Parliament during James VI's reign. Now it's a thriving centre for live theatre, music and comedy.

The Smith Art Gallery and Museum is a must-visit for history fans. It's the best place to learn about the local area's history through the museum's fascinating collection, which includes the oldest curling stone in the world.

A painting of a Tunnocks tea cake at Pathfoot Building

Top 5 arts and cultural experiences in Stirling...

  1. Discover the University's art collection at Pathfoot Building and other cultural gems on campus.
  2. See the latest blockbuster at the Macrobert Arts Centre.
  3. See the world's oldest football at the Smith Art Gallery and Museum.
  4. Go Outlander location spotting.
  5. Get crafty at a workshop in Made in Stirling.
A fire eater street performer at Edinburgh Festival Fringe

... and beyond

  1. Experience the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world.
  2. Fall under the spell of The Kelpies at Helix Park.
  3. Explore one of Europe's greatest art collections at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
  4. Step inside Charles Rennie Macintosh's Oak Room at the V&A Dundee.
  5. Go street art spotting on Glasgow's Mural Trail.

Image credit: David Monteith Hodge

Explore City of Stirling and beyond

A student enjoying a tub of ice cream and churros

Food and drink

Get a taste of Stirling's foodie delights.

View over the city of Stirling and Wallace Monument.

Heritage

Once a former capital of Scotland, Stirling is steeped in history.

A group of happy students drinking and laughing in the student union

Music and nightlife

Discover the city of Stirling's lively music and nightlife scene. 

A student reading in a sunny Kings Park

Parks and countryside

Explore the breathtaking scenery of Stirling and beyond.

Students walking in Stirling city centre

Shopping

From quirky independent shops to big name brands, Stirling has it all.

A golfer swinging their club

Sport

Stirling is a dream destination for sports fans.