Located in the heart of the City is the Barbican Centre, one of the most iconic cultural venues in London.
Opened in 1982 by Queen Elizabeth II, the Barbican Centre has become a hub for the arts, offering a diverse range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Below is everything you need to know:
Architecture
Built as a gift to the nation, the Barbican’s brutalist architecture has been both celebrated and critiqued over the years. To learn more about the style and why it was deemed so controversial, you can take a 90 minute tour which explores the soaring residential towers, the original London Wall ruins and the Sculpture Court.
Additionally, discover more about the Barbican’s history at the free installation, Concrete and Clay Archiving the Barbican. Held on the ground floor of the centre’s foyer, it includes a rarely seen 1:22-scale model of the Centre and Estate.
Art Gallery
The Barbican Art Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. Hosting a wide variety of exhibitions, ranging from modern art to fashion and photography, this gallery has hosted works by Picasso, to Alice Neel and Isaac Julien.
In addition to the main gallery, the Curve Gallery on the ground floor often features installations by contemporary artists. Currently Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum’s It Will End In Tears is on from 18 Sep to the 5 Jan 2025.
Cinema
The Barbican Centre has a cinema located on level -2 in the building, and another just around the corner on Beech Street. Showing a variety of films from the latest releases to documentaries and foreign films, the cinema also hosts film festivals and Q&A sessions with filmmakers. There are also relaxed screenings and parent and baby screenings.
Theatre
Home to the Royal Shakespeare Company during their London season, the Barbican theatre also hosts a variety of performances, including contemporary and classical theatre, dance, and opera. With comfortable, tiered seating, wherever you sit has a decent view.
Currently on is a series of dance shows, plays presented by Guildhall School of Music and Drama and A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Mathew Baynton and directed by Eleanor Rhode from 3 Dec 2024 till 18 Jan 2025.
Music Concert Hall
With world-class acoustics and a seating capacity of 1943, the Barbican Hall is one of the best concert venues in London. From classical orchestras, to jazz, electronic and other contemporary genres, the music programming is broad, ensuring there is something for everyone.
This month you can attend one of the many events put on for the Darbar Festival, held between 24 – 27 Oct, or watch the BBC Symphony Orchestra perform a range of concerts until 31 Jan 2025.
Library
The Barbican Library offers a vast collection of books, spoken word recordings, DVDs, CDs and sheet music. Within the adult library is also the children’s library and the music library with pianos to practice on.
Additionally, the library frequently hosts art exhibitions. Currently on is I’m Not Okay: An Emo Retrospective presented by Museum of Youth Culture. This exhibition highlights the ethos of emo and how a generation connected with the subculture. Featuring personal photos taken on early digital and mid-00s phone cameras, prepared to feel nostalgic. On until 15 Jan 2025.
Conservatory
A hidden gem within the Barbican Centre is the Conservatory, filled with exotic plants and trees. It’s only open on select days, so be sure to check ahead of your visit, but it provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the City.
Places to Eat
The Barbican Centre offers a variety of dining options. On the ground floor is the family-friendly Barbican Kitchen, which has sandwiches, salad bowls, pastries, pizza and other hot-food options.
The Barbican Brasserie is located on the second floor and serves British classics and European dishes. You can also enjoy a variety of cocktails at the Brasserie’s bar, including Italian classics Negronis and Bellinis.
If you wanted a more relaxed vibe, the Barbican Bar and Grill on level one is perfect with burgers and sharing plates for friends and family.
Transport Links
The Barbican Centre is well-connected by public transport. The Closest tubes are Barbican and Moorgate. Bus routes include the 4, 56, and 153 which stop nearby, making it easily accessible from anywhere in London.
The centre also has bike racks which are located via the Beech Street tunnel, at the entrance to Car Park 5 and exit to Car Park 3. Additional racks are available on Silk Street and Golden Lane nearby.
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