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
In all my years going to London, NEVER entertained The Barbican Centre....silly me!
Absolutely amazed at this great space, building, history, eateries, events & activities & landscape where concrete, water & greenery create surprising pleasure to the eye.
Great cosmopolitan chilled out vibes.
Watching your money, take a picnic! Free to enter The Barbican itself to have a mooch around 😍
Skram Jax - a month ago
Very big area and interesting experiment. It’s nice for the residents here to have a quiet zone in the center of a big city. But honestly the architecture doesn’t feel welcoming and walking down those big long corridors is a bit scary because there is not a single soul around as the shops area and the residence area are strictly separated (resembles many places in the US). On the other hand, the shopping area is nice. They have galleries, theaters, gift store with many unique products and a cafe (food is ok but the portion is abundant).
Edith Finch - 2 months ago
We recently made the trip down from the Midlands for a performance of 'Good Night, Oscar', which was superb. The theatre was a really great space with clean and comfortable seats and we had a nice view of the stage from the stalls. The acoustics were great, and we could hear every word (and note) without the actors having to shout. The way the set changes were managed was genius, with components sliding off the stage as new ones entered.
The wider centre was clean and tidy, and it was fairly easy to get around. The gift shop was well laid out and had a good variety of items for purchase. There was ample parking and it was reasonably priced for London (still expensive though). If you're driving, keep in mind the Barbican is in the congestion charging zone, which is currently at £17.50 per day.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit, though next time we'll likely take the train to save a bit of money!
Gary J - a month ago
The best Brutalist building in the uk & much more:
Art,Culture, Music
Varied choice of food & drink
Cool restaurant
Best Martini bar in London
Exceptional indoor & outdoor places to chill, play & work
Free exhibitions
Raj Kumar - a week ago
Don't miss this hidden green oasis with over 1,500 plant species—perfect for a moment of peace amidst greenery and water. Here, you'll find cafes, restaurants, and exhibition spaces, making it a place both vibrant and reflective.
The Barbican is a true treat for fans of high-end culture!
Łukasz Hodurek - 3 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: Donnchadh H - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jorge Franganillo - cc license via Flickr
