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: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 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
What can I say! This brutalist masterpiece is pretty much my favourite place in London. So much to see. Great arts centre I love the art gallery and the library and the conservatory is well worth a visit but be sure to check out the opening times. Great place for a photo safari too!
Paul Norman - 2 months ago
The Barbican is a sprawling residential and commercial district built in a grand brutalist style, both imposing and strangely beautiful. Recognized by Queen Elizabeth II as a unique and important development, it’s truly surreal to walk around and explore its maze-like walkways and concrete grandeur. I admit, I visited while tracking down filming locations from the Star Wars series Andor (and it’s also home to the London Symphony Orchestra, known for performing the Star Wars soundtracks!). The history and design of development itself are fascinating. Highly recommended for fans of architecture, urban planning, and Star Wars alike!
M - 3 months ago
World famous centre for the performing arts in the heart of London. Despite the scale of the Barbican Centre it maintains an air of casual and informal acceptance of all who take the time to visit and share in the joy of the performances on offer. The staff are as passionate as the visiting fans and are part of the overall experience.
Phil Scarr - 2 months ago
Sinfonia of London Orchestra at the Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS. Sinfonia of London is an award-winning Symphony orchestra, directed by conductor John Wilson. Often described as a ‘super-orchestra’ (ArtsDesk), it brings together outstanding musicians from the UK and abroad, including principals and leaders from other orchestras, notable soloists and members of distinguished chamber groups.
Location
The Barbican Hall is located within the main Barbican building. Head to Level G and follow the signs to find your seating level.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
Kamal H - 2 months ago
People were comparing the Barbican with the USSR architecture and Im coming from the post-USSR country myself had to check it out. If I’m honest? This is kinda different from any brutalist USSR era building. This looks like something straight out of a cyberpunk film. But honestly I was charmed by the inner yard with the fountains and lotus flowers. This centre is so different to other medieval and modern London so you just have to visit it.
Sonya - 4 months 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
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
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: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr
