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, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS, UK
Phone: 020 7870 2500
Official Website: Barbican Centre
Barbican Centre Reviews
Rated out of 5
Interesting space. An ode to Cement. Unexpectedly huge. A bit of a labyrinth. Lots of spaces of interest, from art exhibitions to theaters, to play areas to outside spaces, to food courts to coffee shops and not to forget the big conservatory (provided you go on a Sunday or on a Bank holiday). Certainly a place of interest, can easily spend the day in it. Although a bit gloomy with lots of dark colours (could do with some white colour) it is definitely worth a visit.
Harry K - a month ago
The choice of cultural programs are great. Location is good, however the available toilets are ridiculous. The queuing was so long for the loo I missed some of the concert. The acoustics in the hall is great with excellent atmosphere with always full house. Do something with the facilities please . John Williams debut was unmissable and great fun
Nusynasy S - 3 months ago
I went for the My Neighbor Totoro performance. It was wonderful. I could easily hear everything, and I was able to see everything clearly.
The seats were comfortable and I didn’t get as cold as I did like other theatres I’ve been to. The queues for the bathrooms were long (especially for the women). If it’s your first time there, I’d recommend going early to make sure you find your seat on time and get snacks or a drink before the performance you choose starts. It’s a bit of a maze at first!
Jade C - 2 months ago
Joined the architecture walking tour. Well informed and interesting tour which is suitable for many people. Especially interested in town planning, architecture, and social history. The development is like a maze, so it is important to be shown if you're not familiar with the area. Otherwise guaranteed to be lost! I have a friend who joined the tour on a different day, but it wasn't as good as mine (so I was told). Your experience might depend on the guide I suppose. The tour was overrun for more than 10 mins at least, which point I had to leave without completing it. So don't make another engagement soon after.
Miki Bartley - a month ago
This place is such a gem. Def go here when visiting London! It’s a residential area, but when it’s sunny it’s worth to chill here a bit with a nice drink or lunch.
Alexandra Oláh - a week 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: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: triffski - cc license via Flickr
Video
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