Barbican Arts Centre
Silk Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
T: 020 7638 4141
Visitor Information
9am-11pm Mon-Sat
12noon-11pm Sun and bank holidays
People often love or hate the Barbican's brutalist design. Conceived in the 60s as a housing estate with arts facilities on site, it is now (as well as still being residential), Europe's largest multi-arts and conference venue, presenting a diverse range of art, music, theatre, dance, film and education events.
The centre comprises the 1,949 seat Barbican Hall which sees performances from the great and good of the classical world, in particular resident orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra; the 1,166-seat Barbican Theatre which is renowned for its ground-breaking shows; the smaller 200-seat Pit theatre; three cinemas (two are currently being relocated on the premises); the 1,393m2 Barbican Art Gallery, a major player in the UK arts scene; and a second gallery with free entry, The Curve, which shows specially commissioned contemporary art. Its 4,645m2 of foyers and public spaces often play host to events too.
But the Barbican is more than its arts offering, it's also an unusual and inspiring space. Although situated in the centre of London, its buildings enclose lakes and terraces and make a great spot for relaxing on a summer's day. There is also a roof-top tropical conservatory and three restaurants: Barbican Foodhall, Barbican Lounge (both with outdoor seating) and Searcys.
Accessibility
Read what DisabledGo say about access to the Barbican Arts Centre.