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, City of London, London EC2Y 8DS, UK
Phone: 020 7870 2500
Official Website: Barbican Centre
Barbican Centre Reviews
Rated out of 5
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Barbican Centre and the Barbican Conservatory. Prior to my visit, I had read about the Barbican Centre and was eager to experience the essence of Brutalism. I was truly amazed by the scale and authenticity of the architecture.
The Barbican Conservatory is a hidden gem; the greenery in the heart of London is truly precious. The combination of residential, commercial, artistic, and cultural elements, alongside nature, creates an intriguing area for exploration.
Yan Chan - a week ago
Fortunate to attend a gathering in Barbican Center. The architecture is incredible. A must-see place. Arrangements teams are appreciated. Good photographers are available. Quality of sound system is great. Cleanliness if appreciated.
Muhammad Yousuf - in the last week
Incredible architecture!
I’ve never been this impressed by buildings before. It’s truly a place worth visiting. Every corner of the structure is packed with details.
Honestly, it was so stunning that even the bathroom caught my attention 😛. I even took a photo of it because it didn’t have any sharp corners—it was all rounded.
bill bill - 4 weeks ago
One of the best venues in the UK.
Has a huge space to explore.
Restaurants available and bars.
Also a big gift shop and small rough trade record store.
The main arena is an mazing space for live music.
Sound is perfect.
Staff friendly and a clean space.
Plenty of opportunities for relaxing.
Canteen and service there were also very good.
Check listings as many different types of events.
Cost of things was generally reasonable for London.
Worth a visit to see the internal lake and space.
Hywel Maslen - 2 months ago
I was treated to a guided tour of the ubiquitous Barbican Village. A community within the city of London with its very unique architecture, which is totally out of place compared to the classical and modern mix of buildings in the city. It is virtually hidden from sight as most tourists would not even notice its existence as its perimeter is a bit fortress like plain outward facing flank walls with ally like entrance points that appear to lead nowhere interesting. It is a rather brutal and monolithic assembly of towers, blocks, and open spaces primarily of residential properties with arts and cultural complex at its heart. It's worth seeing only to appreciate how cold and heartless architecture can be. I would say don't do it again!
Joe Catersales - a month 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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