Collective opens new programme inspired by the original panorama invented on Calton Hill
Today, Collective is delighted to announce and open a new programme, Panorama: New Views of a City, running from Wednesday 9 July to Sunday 21 December 2025.
Article Source: Collective
Last Updated: 9 July 2025 13:59
Inspired by the work of Irish artist Robert Barker (1739–1806) – credited as inventor of the panorama – the programme invites artists and audiences to explore new ways of seeing the city of Edinburgh and our surroundings.
Barker’s Panorama of Edinburgh from Calton Hill was made in 1788, capturing a 360-degree view of the city and surrounding landscape in a continuous image. The original drawings were created from Observatory House – the oldest building on what is now Collective’s site – marking Calton Hill’s early role in science, astronomy and timekeeping, as well as a place for art and close observation.
Two centuries on, Collective responds to this legacy with the Panorama programme by inviting artists to respond to the site’s histories and present contexts. The Hillside Gallery will serve as a hub for reading, research, public events and activities. At its centre is a new large-scale reproduction of the 1792 aquatint of the panorama, offering a detailed view of the late 18th century cityscape.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the panorama installation and to visit the gallery’s reading area, featuring materials on the history of panoramas, and Calton Hill. The space also invites visitors to engage with videos and audio guides, developed in collaboration with artists and historians focussing on the layered histories of Calton Hill. A series of public events including talks, walks and workshops will accompany the programme.
Artist Residencies
Collective looks forward to welcoming two artists to undertake short residencies over late summer and autumn responding to the themes of the Panorama and resulting in public events.
The first resident will be Lucas Priest. Priest is the founder of the School of Pedestrian Culture – a mock-institution designed to disorient how we encounter space and place across Scotland’s central belt. The School of Pedestrian Culture will be developing a new game in response to the first ever panoramic image. Adventurous participants will contribute towards a collective image making process through a series of walking scores and movements.
Amanda Thomson will begin her residency in Autumn 2025. Her work centres around nature and our place within it, bringing fresh perspectives to our relationship with the hill and the city, considering all kinds of movements, migration and change over time.
Play Camp Weekend: Parallel Panorama Universe
On Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July, Collective will host a special Play Weekend led by artist Frieda Ford. Inspired by the panorama, primary-aged children will imagine and create a playful, parallel version of Edinburgh – complete with costumes and invented landmarks! The children’s artwork will be displayed in the Hillside Gallery until 3 August.
The Panorama programme continues until 21 December 2025, with artist updates and event listings available at the gallery and on Collective’s website.
Director of Collective, Sorcha Carey added:
“We are so pleased to be presenting a reproduction of the original panorama image back in its home on Calton Hill, offering a chance for visitors and artists alike to see the city of Edinburgh in a new light.
We hope the invited artists will feel inspired by our unique history and context – bringing together our role as a contemporary art gallery and custodians of the old City Observatory complex.”
For more information about Collective and the programme visit: https://www.collective-edinburgh.art/
Image credit: Paul Andrews
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
The Palmerston and Sotto to swap restaurants in aid of MND Charity
On Monday 9th February, Edinburgh restaurants Sotto and The Palmerston will swap restaurants to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease charity 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation'.
READ MORE
The Leddie celebrates Burns with a paired Balvenie supper
The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady is celebrating Burn’s Night in true Scottish style on Friday 23rd January, with a one-night-only themed supper in partnership with The Balvenie.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food Introduces the new 600 calorie Lite Tiffin
Healthy, hearty and great value at just £15 per person - Mowgli's new Lite Tiffin launches this January.
READ MORE
Return to Middle Earth as The Lord of The Rings Trilogy celebrates its 25th anniversary at Vue
One of the most iconic and beloved fantasy trilogies of all time, The Lord of The Rings, is returning to the big screen at Vue venues across Scotland, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
READ MORE
From suite to studio: The Balmoral unveils bespoke in room reformer pilates
In partnership with FÔLD, The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is proud to unveil its latest pioneering wellness innovation: reformer pilates delivered to your suite.
READ MORE
A night for poetry, pipes and plates: Burns Night at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh
When poetry meets plate and tradition meets indulgence, Burns Night 2026 comes alive at Duck & Waffle Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Summerhall Arts announce CATALYST: Art as Activism, four new solo exhibitions for 2026
Summerhall Arts presents CATALYST: Art as Activism, a season of four solo exhibitions that position contemporary art as a sustained, embodied form of resistance.
READ MORE
A Burns Night under the stars: Dynamic Earth reimagines the traditional supper
This Burns Night, Dynamic Earth invites you to step into the stars for an evening where tradition meets the galaxy!
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival opens submissions for Global Ink 2026
Submissions for Global Ink 2026, Edinburgh International Book Festival's flagship international forum for Festival Directors, are now open.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble spotlights future string stars with Musical Encounters
Scottish Ensemble begins an exciting 2026 with the return of their Young Artist programme, helping to develop the next generation of Scotland's young string players.
READ MORE
Celebrate love with your PAWfect Valentine at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting pet parents to celebrate Valentine's Day with their beloved furry friends in selected stores across the country!
READ MORE
Enlightenment an immersive experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL will bring its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31st January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds!
READ MORE
Primary schools in Scotland given chance to win specifically curated Burns Supper from Aldi
Aldi Scotland is giving primary school pupils across Scotland the chance to enjoy a truly traditional Burns Supper, complete with all the trimmings, including a bagpiper.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival launches 2026 programme with over 100,000 tickets on sale
Glasgow International Comedy Festival has announced the full programme for 2026's event with 560 shows in 40 venues across the city from 11th - 29th March, and over 100,000 tickets now on sale!
READ MORE
Top Scottish chef to host floating Captains Table experience onboard luxury Edinburgh hotel
One of Scotland's leading chefs will be hosting a collaborative Captain's Table experience onboard Edinburgh's five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, on Wednesday 4th February.
READ MORE
National Centre for Music appoints Director of Partnerships
Scotland's National Centre for Music bolsters founding team with new Director of Partnerships.
READ MORE
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at Flight Club
If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate Burns Night this year, head to Flight Club!
READ MORE
Everything you need to know about Celtic Connections 2026
The renowned festival which every year transforms Glasgow in January into a must-visit destination for music lovers is now just over a week away.
READ MORE
Zizzi launches their January Birthday Jackpot
Zizzi's January Birthday Jackpot guarantees a special gift for adults born in January, with some lucky birthday guests receiving the jackpot prize - £100 towards their bill!
READ MORE
Litter picking dog charity aims to remove 44 million pieces of rubbish in 2026
Dog owners making an environmental New Year Resolution are hoped to boost the ranks of the Paws On Plastic charity to over 30,000 in 2026!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Open Workshop kicks off the New Year with hands on courses to build new skills
New year, new skills. Edinburgh Open Workshop is kicking off January with a hands-on programme of creative courses designed to help people turn resolutions into reality!
READ MORE
Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.
READ MORE
Famous faces share their DofE Award memories in celebration of their 70th anniversary
Anyone with a connection to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is being invited to celebrate the charity's 70th anniversary by sharing their fondest DofE memories.
READ MORE
Vow to volunteer! The New Year resolution that could change lives in 2026
The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) believe that by vowing to volunteer in 2026, people can make a real difference to their local community!
READ MORE
Dry or Try January: Flight Club is your go to January social spot
Whether you're ditching the booze and going dry for a month or embracing Try January with the goal of experiencing new things, Flight Club, ticks all the boxes!
READ MORE
Glamorous Edwardians to be explored in major Edinburgh exhibition
A glamorous, never-before-exhibited portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh made of rock crystal will be among highlights on show in Scotland for the first time in this major exhibition.
READ MORE
Scotland goalkeeper kicks off Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations officially began last night as Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon kicked off the city's iconic Torchlight Procession.
READ MORE
Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas
Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.
READ MORE
Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub
A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.
READ MORE
Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland
Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links