Described by the Queen as 'one of the wonders of the modern world' , the Barbican Centre has also been voted 'London's ugliest building'. Ugly or not, this multi-faceted performance and arts venue is truly wondrous. 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 centre's giant Barbican Hall attracts 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 mix mainstream films with specialist seasons. The Barbican Art Gallery, several smaller exhibition spaces, shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, live music in the foyer, and a host of talks, signings, and events for children are also on offer. 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. 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.
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
Local Hotels
Near Barbican Centre
Hotel special offers
LondonTown.com Exclusive Offer
Receive 3 free gifts with this booking worth over £38
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
Apex London Wall Hotel
7-9 Copthall Avenue
London EC2R 7NJ,
EC2RMap
8 minutes walk from Barbican Centre
Due to open on 16th November this brand new hotel will have rooms kitted out with contemporary furniture, 42 inch LCD screens, surround sound systems, ... 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
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
Get the FREE monthly guide to London entertainment, arts, concerts, sport, book signings, and essential event information delivered directly to your inbox.
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.
Show favourites only
Report a bug, make a suggestion or just tell us your thoughts.
Described by the Queen as 'one of the wonders of the modern world' , the Barbican Centre has also been voted 'London's ugliest building'. Ugly or not, this multi-faceted performance and arts venue is truly wondrous. 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 centre's giant 
