Barbican Centre
Barbican Centre is Europe's largest centre for performing arts
The largest centre for performing arts in Europe, Barbican Centre is located in the Barbican Estate in the north part of London. The centre is the home of both the London and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. It also features a wide range of music concerts, both classical and contemporary as well as art exhibits, film screenings theatre and dance performances.
The Barbican Centre was built and paid for by the City of London as a gift to the nation and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on March 3, 1982.
It is a complex multilevel structure containing a concert hall that can seat an audience of 1,949; a theatre with a capacity of 1,166; 3 cinemas with seating for 288, 255 and 155 and an Art Gallery. There are also 7 conference halls, 2 exhibition halls a library, 3 restaurants and an outdoor courtyard area complete with a water feature. Yellow lines are painted on walkways to help you find this large but obscure centre.
The modernist design of the Barbican Centre has resulted in a people friendly venue that has helped attract a whole new generation to watch and participate in the performing arts.
For more information about the Barbican Centre as well as shows and schedules visit their official website link below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesBarbican Centre Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Address: Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, UK
Phone: 020 7870 2500
Official Website: Barbican Centre
Barbican Centre Reviews
Rated out of 5
Love the brutalist architecture. I always wanted to see this place. Didn't disappoint. Even though this is concrete, it is just a well thought out place for people to come together on a large scale, whether it's simply living or having time out and relaxing. It was a great place to visit. The central area with gardens is a must-see.
Karen Williamson - a month ago
Wonderful venue, the hall was massive, yet you could get a great experience listening to music. Nice facilities for food with a beautiful outdoor space where you can enjoy the cityscape of central London (if the weather is kind enough).
Nrusimhan Seshadri - 3 weeks ago
Brilliant venue. The Barbican looks awful from the outside but inside is fantastic. So spacious. The theatre is excellent, lots of space even when full. Kiss me Kate was superb!
Anna White - 3 months ago
An absolutely beautiful place! I came here for the first time for my graduation ceremony and I loved it, the way the graduation ceremony works inside is very straightforward and there is staff everywhere to assist, I found it very easy to navigate and had such a fantastic time.
On Tuesday when I came it was 30°c and sunny! Was so lovely seeing the Barbican Centre in the sunshine, I love the brutalist architecture and how well maintained the grounds is, the different areas you can visit are so relaxing, I love the parts near the water as it’s just so gorgeous and the water looks lovely.
I will definitely be coming here again for different events and even just to sit by the water, the brutalist style waterfall was beautiful to look at too, who would’ve thought those 1970s buildings could look so pretty?
Beau - 4 months ago
Made the last outside cinema showing of the season.
3 varied food vendors and very lush green garden at bar area before the main event. Not a great choice is good and not cheap but ok to fill a gap or wet your pipe.
Nice banqueting seats but regulars bought cushions and blankets. Get there early to avoid missing crisps at bar and better seats. Some reserved seats for members I think.
The wireless headphones worked well and friendly service from all staff right to the end... inducing good directing to find the way out as we excited a different way to the entrance.
Deffo worth a visit and revisit.
Eye Spy - 3 months ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan, Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines | Barbican | 10 minutes |
| Northern Line | Moorgate | 10 minutes |
| Central Line | St. Paul's | 10 minutes |
How to get to Barbican Centre by Tube
From Barbican Station take the street level exit. Go right on Aldersgate St. and then left onto Beech St. and walk through Beech St. tunnel. If going to exhibition halls 1 or 2 go left at Golden Lane, otherwise keep going straight to the end of the tunnel. Cross the street at the end of the tunnel and follow Silk St. to the Barbican Centre entrance on your right.
From Moorgate Station take Finsbury Square exit and go right to Moor Place then right to Moorfields. Take the escalator between Moorgate Station and Boots up to the Highwalk the follow the yellow line all the way to the entrance.
From St. Paul's Station take exit 1 and go to your right along Cheapside until you get to Wood St. Turn left onto Wood St. and continue to the traffic light, then take the escalator, stairs or lift to Alban Highwalk. Follow the yellow line to the entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Barbican Centre:
Photo Gallery
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One of many foyers inside Barbican Centre cc licensed photo by .Martin. -
Concert Hall at Barbican Centre cc licensed photo by Richard Barrett-Small -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Art De Cade - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr
Video
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