Barbican Centre
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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.
Barbican Centre events

event > Theatre > Solo
PRICING £42
DATES 14th April to 5th May 2018
First performed here at the Barbican in 2016 and following a hit Broadway run and international tour, The Encounter, by Complicite Theatre Company returns this spring. In a fusion of noise and narrative, the solo show combines traditional story telling with cutting-edge technology. Inspired by the book Amazon Beaming by Petru Popescu, it sees Simon... More about this event

event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions - Photography
PRICING £13.50, concs £9-£11
DATES 28th February to 27th May 2018
Part of 2018 season The Art of Change, Another Kind of Life at the Barbican explores how photographers and artists take inspiration from those on the margins of society. Through a display of more than 300 works by 20 photographers, taken between 1950 and the present day, it will look at how some of the most powerful images of the 20th and 21st cent... More about this event
event > Exhibitions > Art exhibitions - Modern and Contemporary Art | PRICING Free
DATES 7th February to 20th May 2018
The Moroccan artist explores the different strategies of resistance we employ to deal with everything from the mundanities of everyday life to shifts in power and migration using photography, film, sculpture and more.

event > Dance > Traditional dance - Modern
DATES 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th May 2018
VENUE Barbican The Pit
An enigmatic new dance piece choreographed by Julie Cunningham who made her move into choreography with the double bill, To Be Me, seen here at the Barbican last year. WithCrave she combines dance and spoken word based on Sarah Kane's harrowing play. In her penultimate work, the playwright investigates dark and potent themes including rape, incest,... More about this event

event > Dance > Traditional dance - Ballet
DATES 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th May 2018
VENUE Barbican Theatre
Former Principal of The Royal Ballet Zenaida Yanowsky is Elizabeth I in this dynamic exploration of her life and loves. Covering key moments in the queen's reign, choreographer Will Tuckett and playwright Alasdair Middleton have created a chamber work that weaves together dance, music, text and song. Taking inspiration from letters, diaries, poetry... More about this event

event > Clubbing and Nightlife > Dance - Hip Hop
DATES Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd June 2018
VENUE Barbican Theatre
Over fifty performers trained under the award-winning hip-hop dance group, Boy Blue, present an empowering showcase at the Barbican. Under the guidance of Boy Blue's founders Kenrick 'H2O' Sandy and Michael 'Mikey J' Asante, the next generation of dancers perform their groundbreaking choreography and original compositions. Stay on after the Saturda... More about this event

event > Theatre > Shakespearean productions
PRICING £35
DATES 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Jun 2018
VENUE Barbican Theatre
The New York-based theatre company The Wooster Group presents a timely look at how the struggle for gender equality has evolved. The Town Hall Affair is a mixed-media piece featuring clips from Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker's documentary Town Bloody Hall. It documents a raucous 1971 debate on women's liberation between American novelist Norman ... More about this event

event > Theatre > Comedies
PRICING From £19
DATES 11th to 29th July 2018
VENUE Barbican Theatre
Last seen in London in July 2016, Weimar Cabaret is a celebration of Barry Humphries' lifelong passion and fascination with the music of the Weimar Republic. The legendary entertainer, best known for as Dame Edna Everage, sets aside his alter ego to share witty anecdotes and irreverent asides as he narrates in his own inimitable style. He's joined ... More about this event
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Home to one of London's best art centres, a world-renowned theatre and a film institution, the South Bank boasts a great programme of events...

London is one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world. Fantastic transport links to Britain and Europe, luxurious hotels, wonderful nightlife, and...

With an exciting calendar of entertainment, 2018 is another special year in London. Find out what's happening throughout the capital with our thorough guide to the best 2018 London events.
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London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £99 36% off
7-9 Copthall Avenue, EC2R | 7 minutes from Barbican Centre
In the heart of the financial district and close to the Bank of England, the newly opened Apex London Wall Hotel, is within walking distance of ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £185 39% off
49-50 St John's Square, EC1V | 9 minutes from Barbican Centre
Located nearby to trendy neighbourbood Farringdon, The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell has been affectionately named the Great Aunt of the original Zetter Hotel. Within the Georgian townhouse, ... More
London > Hotels > Mid-Range Chain Hotel from £105 29% off
St John's Square 86-88 Clerkenwell Road, EC1M | 9 minutes from Barbican Centre
Found in the trendy neighbourhood of Clerkenwell, The Zetter Hotel provides stylish boutique accommodation within a converted Victorian warehouse. With 59 rooms, each individually designed and ... More

London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
54 Holywell Lane, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 14 minutes from Barbican Centre
Easily recognisable for its disused tube carriages elevated well above the ground, Village Underground is an evolving project in Shoreditch building an ... More

London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
35-47 Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, London E1 | 18 minutes from Barbican Centre
Located in one of London's most thriving and art-driven communities Rich Mix does exactly what it says on the tin, presenting visitors of different ... More

London > Entertainment > Arts Centres
91 Brick Lane, Spitalfields, London E1 | 18 minutes from Barbican Centre
Popular with the Shoreditch crowd on the weekends, The Old Truman Brewery houses more than 200 small, creative businesses, a bar and several areas for hire. ... More

London > Entertainment > Theatres
Silk Street, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre's two theatre spaces - the Barbican Theatre and The Pit - offer everything from gritty reality to far-flung fantasy, from dance to ... More

London > Entertainment > Theatres
Silk Street, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
In the two theatre spaces - the Barbican Theatre and the Pit - you can enjoy everything from gritty reality to far-flung fantasy, from dance ... More

London > Entertainment > Classical Music
1 Milton Street, Barbican, City, London EC2Y | 2 minutes from Barbican Centre
Milton Court, opened in September 2013, provides the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with state-of-the-art performance and teaching facilities. The £89 million building on Silk ... More

London > Events > Theatre Dates: 14th April to 5th May 2018
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
First performed here at the Barbican in 2016 and following a hit Broadway run and international tour, The Encounter, by Complicite Theatre Company returns this spring. ...More
London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 7th February to 20th May 2018 - Various Times
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
The Moroccan artist explores the different strategies of resistance we employ to deal with everything from the mundanities of everyday life to shifts in power and ...More

London > Events > Exhibitions Dates: 28th February to 27th May 2018
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
Part of 2018 season The Art of Change, Another Kind of Life at the Barbican explores how photographers and artists take inspiration from those on the ...More
Sights and Attractions near Barbican Centre

London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Ground Level, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
Part of the Barbican Centre for arts and conferences the Curve Gallery, situated on the ground floor, has changing exhibitions of photography, art and design. ... More

London > Attractions > Art Galleries
Silk Street, City, London EC2 | Same location as Barbican Centre
The Barbican is renowned as one of London's top venues for theatre, art and dance. At the Barbican Art Gallery on level 3 you get ... More

London > Attractions > Other Attractions
Gallery Floor (Level 3), Silk Street, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
Home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants and trees, the Barbican's Conservatory is a hidden tropical oasis in the heart of the city. So it ... More

London > Shopping > Music Shops
Cromwell Tower, Silk Street, City, London EC2Y | 1 minute from Barbican Centre
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 1983 ... More


Restaurants near Barbican Centre

London > Restaurants > Modern European restaurants
The Barbican Centre, Level 2, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
Modern European cuisine. Booking advised. Dress smart casual. ... More

London > Restaurants >
1st floor Barbican Centre, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
Only quality ingredients are used at Bonfire, the burger bar on the first floor of the brilliant multi-purpose Barbican Centre arts hub. Burgers at Bonfire - ... More

London > Restaurants > Italian restaurants
Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
In the centre of Osteria , the Italian restaurant on the second floor of the Barbican Centre, is ... More

London > Education > Professional Training
106 Bunhill Row, City, London EC1Y | 6 minutes from Barbican Centre
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 a ... More

London > Education > Professional Training
161 Old Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V | 7 minutes from Barbican Centre
This gorgeous 18th century Grade I listed Hawksmoor church is one of a number of London churches which has, in recent years, been converted into a ... More

London > Education > Evening Classes
4 Luke Street, Shoreditch, London EC2A | 12 minutes from Barbican Centre
National charity for adult learning which also runs an excellent selection of theatre, literature, history and politics evening classes.... More
Leisure near Barbican Centre

London > Leisure > Parks and Gardens
King Edward Street, City, London EC4M | 5 minutes from Barbican Centre
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 Paul's ... More


London > Leisure >
The Basement, 49-51 Central Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1V | 8 minutes from Barbican Centre
London Dance Academy is a dance studio in the middle of the City, five minutes' walk from Old Street and Barbican, which offers dance classes and ... More

London > Nightlife > Pubs
71 Long Lane, Clerkenwell, London EC1A | 5 minutes from Barbican Centre
One of the oldest pubs in Smithfield, The Old Red Cow has stood on this spot on Long Lane since the year dot. Steeped in history, ... More

London > Nightlife > Pubs
115 Charterhouse Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 6 minutes from Barbican Centre
This renovated traditional pub in the heart of Clerkenwell has been serving the traders of nearby Smithfields Market for years. Under the Malmaison umbrella - the ... More

London > Restaurants > Gastropub
2 Clerkenwell Road, Clerkenwell, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 7 minutes from Barbican Centre
... More
Nightlife near Barbican Centre

London > Nightlife > Bars
50-52 Long Acre Lane, EC1A | 5 minutes from Barbican Centre
Following the huge success of the Cocktail Trading Company in Oxford Circus, launched in January 2015, the award winning team ... More


London > Nightlife > Bars
18-20 St. John Street, Clerkenwell, London EC1M | 6 minutes from Barbican Centre
Situated in the heart of Clerkenwell, next door to St John and Smithfield Market, The Longroom specialises in craft beers, salt beef and gourmet sandwiches. Described ... More
Meeting venue hire near Barbican Centre

London > Business > Venue Hire
Silk Street, City, London EC2Y | Same location as Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre is the jewel in London's artistic crown, with its theatres, concert halls, art galleries and cinema providing a year-round programme of ... More

London > Business > Venue Hire
Chiswell Street, City, London EC1Y | 2 minutes from Barbican Centre
While the City of London is not short of modern, flexible event-spaces, not many can claim to be located in a Grade II listed building, or ... More

London > Business > Venue Hire
Aldermanbury Square, Moorgate, City, London EC2V | 4 minutes from Barbican Centre
... More
Hotels Near Barbican Centre What's On Today Near Barbican Centre ![]() Votes for Women Exhibitions | Until 6th January 2019 Museum of London 3 minutes walk from Barbican Centre The Museum of London marks the centenary of the 1918 Act that gave some women the right to vote for ...More ![]() Fatberg! Exhibitions | Until 1st July 2018 Museum of London 3 minutes walk from Barbican Centre This will make you think before you flush. Fatberg! puts the last remaining piece of the Whitechapel fatberg on display ...More Self-Portraits And Night Journeys by Antoine d'Agata Exhibitions | Until 27th April 2018 Magnum Photos 7 minutes walk from Barbican Centre Exhibitions & Art, Photography....More ![]() SOMNAI Theatre | Until 6th May 2018 Two Pear Tree Street 8 minutes walk from Barbican Centre A brand new immersive experience from entertainment company dotdotdot, SOMNAI invites participants to delve into the world of lucid dreaming. ...More Stories From The City: The Bank Of England In Literature Exhibitions | Until 29th June 2018 Bank of England Museum 8 minutes walk from Barbican Centre Exhibits related to the lives and works of Charles Dickens, T.S. Eliot, Dr Johnson, Robert Browning and George Eliot to ...More Bill Viola: Mary Exhibitions | Until 31st December 2018 St Paul's Cathedral 9 minutes walk from Barbican Centre Mary, the second permanent large-scale video installation by Bill Viola for St Paul's Cathedral is inaugurated in the North Quire ...More ![]() Urban Food Fest Shopping | Until 6th October 2018 Euro Car Parks 15 minutes walk from Barbican Centre The Urban Food Fest returns, running every Saturday from midday to midnight at the Euro Car Parks in Shoreditch. The ...More Hamlet Theatre | Until 26th August 2018 Shakespeare's Globe Theatre 16 minutes walk from Barbican Centre The new Artistic Director of Shakespeare's Globe, Michelle Terry, opens her tenure at the famous London theatre with Hamlet, taking ...More Artist Rooms: Bruce Nauman Exhibitions | Until 24th July 2018 Tate Modern 17 minutes walk from Barbican Centre Multimedia, installations and sculpture spanning the career of the influential American artist, whose work focuses on perception, spatial relationships, human ...More ![]() Joan Jonas Exhibitions | Until 5th August 2018 Tate Modern 17 minutes walk from Barbican Centre Five decades of performance art by influential American artist Joan Jonas go on display in an immersive exhibition taking over ...More New on LondonTown ![]() Alpes Dining Above the main entrance of Pop Brixton, Alpes is the first permanent site from street ...More ![]() temper Covent Garden Dining With this third branch of temper, in Covent Garden, Neil Rankin has further cemented his ...More ![]() Sin Gusano Foodie Events | From 3rd May Taking over popular Haggerston cafe and bar space Curio Cabal, on Thursday to Saturday evenings, ...More Curio Cabal Drinking Opened in the summer of 2013 Curio Cabal in Haggerston is supported by its brother company, Creative Blocks, a co-working / studio space based in the same building....More ![]() Andina Picanteria Dining Martin Morales's 40 cover Andina Picanteria is an ode to the Peruvian picanterias, the family-run, ...More ![]() Andina Panaderia Shopping Pioneer of Peruvian cooking Martin Morales is behind this Peruvian bakery and the forty cover ...More ![]() Home, I'm Darling Theatre | From 24th July Katherine Parkinson (whose role as Jen in the IT Crowd "brought her something close to ...More ![]() An Octoroon Theatre | From 7th June In 1859, white Irish playwright Dion Boucicault writes a hit play about America. Today, a ...More ![]() Cora Pearl Dining With double-height windows opening onto the 'Actors' Church', this Covent Garden restaurant from the team ...More ![]() Scarlett Green Dining Bondi meets Soho at this Antipodean-inspired restaurant from the Daisy Green Collection, serving bottomless brunch ...More ![]() Fayre Share Dining Classic British dishes like roasted beer chicken and Arctic roll with jelly are on the ...More ![]() London Celebrates 250 Years of the Circus Article In 2018 London celebrates the 250th anniversary ...More The Queen of Hoxton Summer Rooftop: The Lost Vegas Foodie Events | From 3rd May The Queen of Hoxton has been given a makeover once again, transforming into The Lost Vegas Rooftop just in time for summer. One of east London's most popular ...More ![]() Cafe de Paris: Royal Wedding Show Clubbing and Nightlife | On 19th May Not one the 2,640 members of the public ...More ![]() Portobello Live! Concerts | From 6th May Portobello Live! Various Venues Now an established fixture in the festival calendar, Portobello Live! returns on Sunday and Monday ...More ![]() Building The Wall Theatre | From 2nd May Jez Bond directs the UK premiere staging of Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Schenkkan's gripping political ...More ![]() Midsummer Terrace at Mondrian London Seasonal | From 2nd May Popping-up at Mondrian London this summer, the floral ...More ![]() Best Summer Terraces in London Article Picture perfect petals and gorgeous floral blooms make ...More ![]() November in London 2018 Article There's an explosion of fireworks on the 5th, Star Wars gets the full orchestra treatment ...More November in London 2018 Article There's an explosion of fireworks on the 5th, Star Wars gets the full orchestra treatment at the Royal Albert Hall and Gainsborough's Family Album opens at the National Portrait Gallery, it's all in London in ...More ![]() Dorsett City Article Next to Aldgate tube, Dorsett City is an Asian owned four star hotel with ...More Best West End Shows in London for Kids Article Whether it's an all-singing, all-dancing musical or ...More ![]()
Hotels near Barbican Centre
From cheap budget accommodation to luxury 5 star suites see our special offers for Barbican Centre hotels, including The Zetter Hotel London from 77% off. |
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