Described by the Queen as “one of the wonders of the modern world”, this multifaceted performance and arts venue forms one of the most important cultural sites in the capital. Open 363 days a year, it offers the most diverse program of any London venue. As well as being home to the London Symphony Orchestra, the giant Barbican Hall and the attractive local church of St Luke’s regularly attract a host of international classical, jazz, rock, and world music stars. Two theatres offer a year-round program of some of the finest in international performing arts, while three cinemas boast a varied programme that balances mainstream films with high-profile specialist seasons. The redeveloped Barbican Art Gallery, several smaller exhibition spaces, two cinemas, shops, cafés, restaurants, bars, live music in the foyer, and a host of talks, signings, and events for children are also on offer in this flourishing creative arena. The creation of the Barbican centre was one of the most ambitious projects of the post-war period, “the city’s gift to the nation”. It eventually opened in 1982 after a long period of stagnation for the area. Towering above the £150 million arts centre are three 400-ft residential tower-blocks (once the tallest in Europe) now some of the most desirable properties in the city. The building itself is a labyrinth and finding your route from the station or car park is an adventure in itself. Staircases twist around each other, directing lost patrons into mysteriously empty mezzanines, where odd snatches of music are the only guide back to the main lobby. One of the pleasures of such a huge venue is to arrive early for whatever you plan to see and go exploring. The joy of coming across exhibitions, live music, or talks from a major arts celebrity in some odd corner of the building is a unique feature of this remarkable concentration of artistic talent. Look out for the separate entrance leading into the Museum of London, the largest city museum in the world. Don’t be put off by the mass of concrete, this is one of the most impressive and dynamic cultural sites in London.
Best for:
London Symphony Orchestra, modern architecture, music, arts, theatre and film, aimless wandering in concrete labyrinth.
Did you know?
The Barbican's residential tower blocks house over 4000 people in over 2000 flats.
What's on at
Barbican Centre
Ron Arad: Restless 18th February 2010 - 16th May 2010 The Barbican Art Gallery is staging this major restrospective on...
London Symphony Chorus: Bach's St Matthew Passion
Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
2nd April 2010 (Good Friday)
The London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia and top soloists celebrate... More
The Rookery
Cowcross Street, EC1M 6DS
A wonderfully quirky little hotbed of history, mums will love the timber beams and slanting ceilings of this charming old hotel.... More
Disney Classics on Valentine's Day
Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
13th February 2010 - 14th February 2010
The Barbican Centre is offering an alternative to traditional Valentine's... More
Valentine's Day Classics
Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
14th February 2010
The classy alternative to sitting in a crowded restaurant eating overpriced food is the Barbican's evening... More
London International Mime Festival
Southbank Centre, SE1 8XX
13th - 31st January 2010
If you thought mime was all about white-faced clowns continually plagued by invisible glass and very... More
Modern contemporary dance and music performance space.
Occupying a site with a long tradition of entertaining Londoners, Sadler's Wells exists to bring the best of national ... More
Ground Level,
Barbican Centre,Silk Street,The City,
London,
EC2YMap
Part of the Barbican Centre for arts and conferences the Curve Gallery, situated on the ground floor, has changing exhibitions of photography, art and ... More
Host was established in 2005 by Jon Levy, director of foto8, and Adrian Evans, director of Panos Pictures. Photojournalism - from classical black and white ... More
Just North of the city, these well-appointed family apartments offer an idyllic little spot for parents with children. At the weekend, the city is ...More
The London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia and top soloists celebrate Easter at the Barbican with a Good Friday performance of Bach's St Matthew ...More
So many of London's architectural landmarks are closely guarded secrets, off-limits to Joe Public. It's tantalising to imagine what goes on behind those closed doors. ...More
Tucked away near the Barbican multi-arts centre and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Chimes Music is in illustrious company. Since opening in ...More
An old-fashioned barber’s patronised by city gentlemen and established in 1904. As well as a shampoo and cut you can also have the traditional hot ...More
Taking inspiration from Japanese ramman-noodle bars, Wagamama is the ultimate in high-quality, fast food. Huge bowls of steaming, soupy noodles, chicken dumplings with a chilli-soy ... More
City’s Print Journalism course is recognised as the best in London. Although places like Goldsmith’s are trendier, City is respected in the industry thanks to ... More
Bounded in by surrounding office buildings, Postman's Park's appeal lies in what it symbolises as much as how it looks. Located just north of St ... More
Built on the site of a Victorian meat cellar, Fabric continues to boast the most sensational line-ups in the capital. Its global reputation is founded ... More
The wonderfully-named Black Lotus Karate Club is a new and vibrant venue to open in Shoreditch. Located in the Scrutton Street Warehouse, the nightclub is ...More
Huge, multifaceted arts and entertainment centre.
Described by the Queen as “one of the wonders of the modern world”, this multifaceted performance and arts venue forms ... More
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The Barbican Art Gallery is staging this major restrospective on the three decade career of designer and architect Ron Arad. It's a busy time for ...More
The London Symphony Chorus, City of London Sinfonia and top soloists celebrate Easter at the Barbican with a Good Friday performance of Bach's St Matthew ... More
LondonTown.com has special discounts every week. The amount of discount will vary depending on the dates you are coming and how far in advance you book. All discounts are subject to availability.
Huge, multifaceted arts and entertainment centre.
