The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has revealed its 2026 public programme, marking two historic milestones: the 60th anniversary of the RIBA Awards and the 30th anniversary of the prestigious Stirling Prize.
With its London headquarters temporarily closed, Liverpool’s RIBA North at 21 Mann Island will serve as the primary hub for these major celebrations.
Established in 1996 to honor architect James Stirling, the Stirling Prize remains the UK’s highest architectural accolade.
To celebrate three decades of the prize, a major new exhibition dedicated to James Stirling’s career will open at RIBA North this October.
The showcase explores how his upbringing in Liverpool and fascination with the city’s industrial landscape shaped him into a world-renowned architect.
Celebrating Architectural Excellence and Local Heritage at Mann Island
The 2026 season kicks off with the “Building in Focus” series, starting with a free display titled Beneath the River Mersey.
Open until 12 April, it explores the engineering and design of the Queensway Tunnel, Herbert J. Rowse’s Art Deco masterpiece.
This local spotlight reveals the stories behind the ventilation towers that define the Liverpool skyline today.
In April, RIBA North will also host a specially commissioned installation celebrating 2026 Royal Gold Medal recipient Níall McLaughlin.
The summer months will see the arrival of Roaming Britain: Gypsy and Traveller Homes, an exhibition challenging misconceptions by exploring the diverse ways these communities inhabit their environments.
International Touring Exhibitions and the Stirling Prize Anniversary
Expanding its global reach, RIBA’s acclaimed Wide-Angle View exhibition will tour to Porto before returning to Liverpool in July.
This collection of photography critiques the social impact of urban planning through over 70 facsimile photographs.
The year concludes with a dual focus on the Stirling Prize.
Alongside the James Stirling career retrospective, a dedicated Stirling Prize display will open in November.
This exhibition will use film and interviews to showcase the 2026 winning projects, offering a deep dive into the best of contemporary British architecture.
Through this diverse program, RIBA continues its mission to make architecture accessible to all.
