The Barbican Centre has 18
function rooms; the largest can hold a maximum of 4000 guests.
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.
What's on at
Barbican Centre
Family Film Club Every Every Saturday morning at the Barbican's Cinema 1 is Family...
Barbican
Venue:
When the Queen opened the Barbican in March 1982, she labelled it a wonder of the modern world. In twenty years over 28 million people... More
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Huge, multifaceted arts and entertainment centre.
Described by the Queen as "one of the wonders of the modern world", the Barbican Centre... More
London Children's Film Festival
Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS and various venues throughout London
21st & 22nd, 28th & 29th November 2009
This is one of those events that... More
Valentine's Day Love Classics
Barbican Centre, EC2Y 8DS
14th February 2009
The classy alternative to sitting in a crowded restaurant eating overpriced food is the Barbican's... More
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, EC2Y 8DS
Described by the Queen as "one of the wonders of the modern world", the Barbican Centre has also been voted... More
The Barbican Centre is the jewel in London’s artistic crown, with its theatres, concert halls, art galleries and cinema providing a year-round program of events. ... More
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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 Finsbury Square Market brings fresh food and farm produced goods to the heart of London's financial centre, only a few hundred yards from Moorgate ...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
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
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
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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 ... More
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Every Saturday morning at the Barbican's Cinema 1 is Family Film Club time with Movie Trolley activities laid on for little ones before the 11am ...More
Boy Blue's interpretation of Robert Browning's Pied Piper returns to the Barbican this Christmas after a popular run earlier in the year, having won an ...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.
