Explore University History with Guides to Art on Campus

Learn about the history of SBU through art! Stony Brook is home to many unique art installations and galleries throughout its grounds. As you navigate the west campus this first week of classes, two guides are available to point out where you can view exhibitions, and landmarks and works of art across the campus. Information about these sites and installations was contributed by the University Archives. To learn more about SBU history, visit: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/libspecial/archives/index.php.

“A Guide to Art on Campus”: https://sbmatters.stonybrook.edu/a-guide-to-art-on-campus/

“SB Unique – A Self-Guided Tour to Explore the Art, Culture & Architecture of Stony Brook University”: https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/libspecial/sbunique

Library Book Steel Sculpture. Designed by famed graphic designer Milton Glaser, this steel structure is installed outside of the Frank Melville, Jr. Memorial Library and faces the academic mall.
Library Book Steel Sculpture: Designed by famed graphic designer Milton Glaser, this steel structure is installed outside of the Frank Melville, Jr. Memorial Library and faces the academic mall.
Located behind the Melville Library, the Zebra Path was originally painted in 1981 by Stony Brook student Kim Hardiman ‘82 as part of an advanced seminar in public art. The 232′ x 12′ handpainted walkway, regularly refurbished with new coats of paint, constitutes one student’s lasting tribute to Stony Brook campus. Read more.
Zebra Path: Located between the Melville Library and Frey Hall, the Zebra Path was originally painted in 1981 by Stony Brook student Kim Hardiman ‘82 as part of an advanced seminar in public art. The 232′ x 12′ handpainted walkway constitutes one student’s lasting tribute to Stony Brook University.
At 24-feet high, this 10-ton bronze structure was created by sculptor and mathematician Dr. Helaman Ferguson as a celebration of the fusion of mathematics and art. Dedicated by the Simons Foundation, the Umbilic Torus took nearly two years to create and involved a crew of over a dozen artists, engineers, programmers and welders.
Umbilic Torus: At 24-feet high, this 10-ton bronze structure located outside of the Math and Physics buildings was created by sculptor and mathematician Dr. Helaman Ferguson as a celebration of the fusion of mathematics and art. Dedicated by the Simons Foundation, Umbilic Torus took nearly two years to create and involved a crew of over a dozen artists, engineers, programmers and welders.
Kristen Nyitray

Kristen Nyitray

Associate Librarian; Director, Special Collections and University Archives; and University Archivist at Stony Brook University Libraries
Contact her for research assistance with rare books, manuscript collections, historical maps, and SBU history. E-mail: kristen.nyitray@stonybrook.edu.
Kristen Nyitray
Posted in About Us, Art, Library Outreach, Special Collections & University Archives