Barbican Arts Centre

Barbican Arts Centre featuring skyline, a high-rise building and a city

Visit Barbican Arts Centre

Discover an eclectic schedule of art, cinema, dance, music and theater events at one of the largest performing arts centers in Europe.

The Barbican Arts Centre is a multilevel cultural centre and a one-stop venue for wide-ranging performing arts events. It is a place to experience and be inspired by the talents of exceptional artists and artistic organizations. The Barbican Arts Centre is home to a cinema, concert halls, galleries and theatres in addition to bars, cafés and restaurants. Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the centre in 1982 and it is billed as a gift to the people from the city of London.

There is something to suit almost all tastes at the centre. Attend recitals by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Watch performances by contemporary musicians such as the South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim and the Japanese drumming ensemble, Kodo. Delight in interpretations of Baroque and classical music by the Academy of Ancient Music.

Peruse the travelling exhibitions on display at the Barbican Art Gallery. Admire works by Turner-prize winning artists and discover a celebration of the influential 20th-century designers Charles and Ray Eames. Find more art on display at The Curve gallery.

Enjoy performances of Shakespearean plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican Theatre. Encounter experimental theatre, such as interactive puppet shows, at the intimate The Pit. See everything from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to independent movies and 3-D screenings at the centre’s cinema.

Spend some time appreciating the centre’s architecture, which displays a prominence of the Brutalist movement of the mid-1900s. Learn about the history of the building, its architects and astonishing facts on guided architecture tours.

Situated to the north of London’s City of London neighbourhood, the Barbican Arts Centre is easily accessible via public transport. The Tube stations Barbican and Moorgate are just a short walk from the centre. The centre has an on-site car park, for which fees are applicable.

The centre is open daily and admission is free, although fees apply for individual exhibitions and shows. A full schedule of events, talks and workshops is available on the centre’s official website.

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Things to do near Barbican Arts Centre

When visiting the Barbican Arts Centre, immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene, featuring captivating exhibitions and performances. Explore the stunning architecture with guided tours that highlight the centre's unique design. Additionally, indulge in shopping at nearby boutiques and enjoy delightful dining options, making for a well-rounded cultural experience in the heart of London.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Barbican Arts Centre, visit Borough Market, just 1.6km away, for fresh produce and artisanal goods. The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9 3/4, 3.2km away, offers magical souvenirs. The Royal Exchange, only 805m away, combines shopping with entertainment and dining.

Recreation

At O2 Arena, immerse yourself in exhilarating sports events that energise the spirit. ABBA Arena offers a vibrant musical experience, while Hampstead Heath provides a tranquil escape in nature, perfect for relaxation and wellness activities amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the IFS Cloud Royal Docks Station cable car, offering stunning aerial views 8.0km from the Barbican. For climbing enthusiasts, Vertical Chill is an exciting venue 1.6km away. Alternatively, unleash your competitive spirit at the Oasis Go-Kart Track, located 6.4km from the centre.

Nightlife

The Barbican Arts Centre offers a vibrant nightlife with nearby attractions. The London Eye, two miles away, provides thrilling adventure vibes. The Globe Theatre, 1.3km from the centre, immerses you in culture and romance. For film lovers, Everyman Cinemas Screen on the Green, one mile away, delivers entertaining cinematic experiences.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Barbican Arts Centre

The Barbican Arts Centre is surrounded by engaging places of interest, including vibrant streets, historic churches, and charming piazzas. Travellers can immerse themselves in the rich culture and city life, making it an ideal destination for families seeking memorable experiences. With a variety of attractions to explore, visitors to the Barbican are sure to find something that captivates their interest.

Tower Bridge: An iconic symbol of London, Tower Bridge is a historic drawbridge that offers stunning views of the River Thames. Its Victorian Gothic architecture and glass-floored walkway provide a unique perspective of the bustling city below.
Tower of London: This formidable castle is steeped in history and intrigue. Explore the Crown Jewels, learn about its royal past, and uncover tales of romance and betrayal within its ancient walls.
London Bridge: A modern architectural marvel, London Bridge connects the vibrant South Bank with the City. It boasts a lively atmosphere, surrounded by shops and eateries, perfect for experiencing the city's dynamic energy.

Best time to go to Barbican Arts Centre

The best time to visit Barbican Arts Centre is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	40.5°F (4.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly Low
February	41.7°F (5.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
March	45.0°F (7.2°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
April	49.5°F (9.7°C)	No Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
May	55.0°F (12.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
June	61.0°F (16.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly High
July	64.9°F (18.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
September	60.4°F (15.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
October	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	47.1°F (8.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
December	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Barbican Arts Centre

When planning your visit to the Barbican Arts Centre, consider travelling during the cheaper months from January to March for lower accommodation costs. Sundays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. For affordable transport, utilise London’s extensive public transport system with an Oyster card or contactless payment. Look out for free activities at the Barbican, such as exhibitions and events. Additionally, check Expedia for last-minute deals, group discounts, and package offers that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential savings.

The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Barbican Arts Centre are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Barbican Arts Centre about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Barbican Arts Centre is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Barbican Arts Centre is Wednesday.
Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at the Barbican Arts Centre with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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