London

Barbican Centre

ADDRESS

Silk Street, City, London EC2Y 8DS

TELEPHONE

020 7638 8891

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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 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.

Barbican Centre events

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Silent Film and Live Music SeriesSilent Film and Live Music SeriesWith everyone currently falling in love with the film the Artist silent films are more relevant than ever thus creating the perfect timing for the Silent Film and Live Music Series at the Barbican. With a screening every Sunday of the month many pieces will be brought back to life on the big screen including loveable classics, recent discoveries, i9th February 2012Sunday 30th December 2012 Where:

Barbican Screen, Barbican Centre Silk Street EC2Y 8DS

Category: event

Silent Film and Live Music Series event Running until Sunday 30th December 2012
PRICING £7.50-£10.50
With everyone currently falling in love with the film the Artist silent films are more relevant than ever thus creating the perfect timing for the Silent Film and Live Music Series at the Barbican. With a screening every Sunday of the month many pieces will be brought back to life on the big screen including loveable classics, recent discoveries, i... More about this event

Valentine's Day ClassicsValentine's Day ClassicsThe classy alternative to sitting in a crowded restaurant eating overpriced food is the Barbican's evening of Valentine's Day Classics. The programme includes performances of Johann Strauss' swooningly romantic waltz 'Blue Danube Waltz' and Tchaikovsky's waltz from Sleeping Beauty. There's also a rendition of jazz influenced Rhapsody in Blue compos14th February 2012Tuesday 14th February 2012 Where:

Barbican Hall, Silk Street EC2Y 8DS

Category: event

Valentine's Day Classics event Tuesday 14th February 2012
PRICING £18-£42.50
The classy alternative to sitting in a crowded restaurant eating overpriced food is the Barbican's evening of Valentine's Day Classics. The programme includes performances of Johann Strauss' swooningly romantic waltz 'Blue Danube Waltz' and Tchaikovsky's waltz from Sleeping Beauty. There's also a rendition of jazz influenced Rhapsody in Blue compos... More about this event

Song Dong: Waste NotSong Dong: Waste NotAn installation of more than 10,000 items collected by the artist's mother over a period of 50 years, inspired by childhood memories of China's cultural revolution.15th February 2012Tuesday 12th June 2012 Where: