I watched the film "Barbicania" and became fascinated with the architecture of The Barbican. It's worth going to admire its brutalist architecture (both inside and outside) even if you are not attending any events at the venue. There are also guided tours and a shop selling products by local designs.
PROS:
- Lovely museum displays and galleries.
- Theatre, most recently saw "Jesus Christ Superstar" and was worth it. The cinema also looks cool and there are gigs as well.
- Cute gift shop with a wide variety of items on sale.
- Staff for the most part helpful.
CONS:
- The place is a maze. Getting out was incredibly difficult. I get that it's a brutalist, Grade II building but exits and signs are not clear at all, unless you are familiar with the place.
- More benches and seating areas outside would be nice.
- Cumbersome to collect theatre tickets, misleading information on where to collect them. The main desk said to go elsewhere, only for it not being the case. More communication from staff in this respect would be ideal in the future.
- Toilets could be improved. No paper towels, not all dispensers had soap and not all hand dryers worked.
Great for a cultural night out, there are always exhibitions going on, as well as a theatre and cinema. Check listings for whats on though
High quality productions, high quality staff and service and high quality selection of events and exhibitions. Check regularly for what's on!
Anyone who finds Brutalism so fascinating will love the Barbican Center: Especially the Conservatoire did it to me! (and: free entry) When I'm back in London, I'll definitely be back and watch one of the classic concerts. A must for culture lovers!
Great venue watched Avalanche with Maxine Peakes - totally brilliant
Honestly needs some signage stat as the place is like a maze but the Curve Gallery is amazing. literally cannot say how good it was. from the curation to the staff!
Went for a Graduation Ceremony. Amazed at the space in the venue. Brilliant staff too.
Some love it, some hate it, but this big old Brutalist beast has something to offer nearly every Londoner; from those that live or go to school there, to cinemagoers, art lovers, shoppers, foodies and the just plain curious. I particularly loved a "Secret Barbican" tour that I did last year, taking us to all the places that tourists usually can't visit
I attended a concert of the London Symphony Orchestra. Theater with excellent acoustics!
Great space and always featuring interesting exhibitions. I can personally admit to having spent a lot of money in the gift shop as well. The architecture devides many yet it should be marvelled for its idea; placing a multi-purpose arts venue within a housing estate, if I could love on any housing estate it would be this one.
Taming the shrew was great! Plus the hall is magnificent and vintage.
Well organised, seating had plenty of leg room for a tall guy. Acoustics were good. If you haven't been before, get there a little early as it is a bit of a maze so finding your way can be tricky when it's busy.
EVEN THE LOCALS CANT FIND IT! Google Maps knows where it is but not how to locate the well-hidden door. The unlit steps. The exits that are locked. Plot twist : it's on stilts! Up a level, near a reflecting pool, look up for the unlit sign that spells "Barbican" up and down like Japanese writing. Once you actually get in - fabulous acoustics. But so very ugly, so very difficult to find, so unlike any other venue on any of the other four continents upon which I've heard symphony concerts.
Gorgeous theatre with brilliant performances and plenty of options around, but it's a bit of walk.
There is so much creativity in this place and has a community feel to it. However it is easy to get lost here
Interesting architecture and a full programme of events
Not enough seating in public areas and food outlets not as good as South Bank centre but great place otherwise
Highly recommended study place where you can find nice drinks and food counters inside.
One of The best theatres in London for art appreciators! Both pit theatre and Barbican main stage hosts a variety of top class international theatre works.
The manager Neil has allowed me to have a quick shoot in the garden with a photographer, he was extremely welcoming. He came to get us at the door took us upstairs showed us everywhere and allowed us to use it even beyond the time we had it for. I will recommend this place for weddings or photoshoots because its beautiful and I would even have my birthday party or wedding there. Thank you so much Niel.
Always has a great selection of exhibitions and the botanical garden is nice too
One of my favorite places in London! If there is an interesting exhibition, it s worth to pay to see it!
Centre for cinemas, theatre with restaurant, bar, Barbican kitchen, lake view terrace, music art gallery.
An interesting visual experience of brutalist architecture. Definitely recommend taking the architecture tour organised by the museum itself. The tour explains in detail the entire design philosophy of Barbican covering the history, architectural intricacies and layout choices made by Chamberlin Powell and Bon that designed the entire estate. I learnt a lot from the tour and i definitely have a better appreciation of Barbican.
One of my favourite places in London. I really like their contemporary art events. Would recommend it.
And especially to access it, take the tunnel. On one of the walls, you can admire a work by Banksy, the world-renowned street artist. Be careful not to be hit by a vehicle when taking pictures. Other famous works are visible in other parts of London. It's a fun way to discover the city.
A tip for those of you from out of town, get off the tube at Moorgate, not Barbican. The arts centre is at that end of the complex. And if you do walk from Barbican, cross the road on the bridge and stay up at that level - you don't have to walk through the tunnel.
The Barbican is fantastic for photos, a meal, or just to enjoy. It is amazing! I love it here....
Although granted it is a little hard to navigate, it is a beautiful piece of architecture and honestly a lovely place to live! Fit with the concert halls and other stuff the Barbican is amazing and I would completely recommend going there. It is however hard to navigate though. Still five stars cos this place is absolutely incredible. @anyone who didn t enjoy it, why??? It is absolutely fantastic!
Fine shows. The whole building complex is worth a tour
Very impressive performance and a large spacious bar
60's and dated place but interesting for the architecture and obviously the many shows they host.
Experience London's one of the coolest architectural pieces! Experience the Brutal!
Always free, nice exhibitions, installations, talks or events on the ground floor. You can also hire venues at Barbican. There are a cinema, art galleries, shops, and bars. Both art-house and blockbuster movies can be seen. Free study areas. Free, fast wifi connection. Nice restaurant. Great courtyard inside the complex. A coffee shop at the foyer/lounge. There are always cool, original designed objects & art and architecture books sold at the gift shop. Calm atmosphere.
Wonderful place to spend a whole day exploring it's nooks and crannies before going to a performance in the evening
Magnificent
Must
One of the best culture centers I've visited. Four stars instead of five because it's a little bit difficult to find your way in the buildings.
This is a fairly modern theatre, and that gives it numerous positives in practical matters (good views from most seats, plenty of legroom and enough toilets). Our seats were very comfortable compared to some theatres. One negative was the lack of signage - both to find the Barbican from the nearest tube station, and then to find our way around once we were inside. There were very few signs pointing the way to the circle for instance.
Its looks will divide opinion but if you love it, it's a special place.
Good idea, but I heard it s a nightmare in the day.
Love this complex building. Do take time to explore all of it. Utopian ideals. Interesting crannies
Wonderful spot full of hidden nature, beautiful brutalism, life, and cultural/artistic events
They always have interesting exhibitions, good place to work or study, and the cafeteria is great. When the weather allows it, the outdoors area is very nice
Basquiat - If only it was at Tate Modern
Barbican: The avocado bathroom suite of London art galleries.
TATE MODERN WE LOVE YOU!! 0/10
The Barbican complex is a very pleasant and enriching place. The cultural space is great and the ancillary services, like the Barbican Kitchen, always offer services of a standing service. The products used for cooking are of very good quality.
Have loved the Barbican since the 80's, an amazing centre for the arts. Even after years of visiting this space it still feels as fresh and exciting as the first time. World class auditoria and stunning performance, ine of London's finest contemporary structures that's freely open to the public.
Beautiful place to visit. Some really interesting architecture and lots of nice hidden areas to explore. The centre is a great place for events. Very easy to get from Barbican tube station. The waterways are really nice for walking around in.
Lovely to sit outside with a coffee and a brownie in the sun.
What a strange place! It is huge, had cinema and live Action spaces both, a number of bars and food spots. Overall had to get a 4.
Nice theatre but very hard to find your way around and the correct door for your seat
Great for concerts or just sitting outdoors, and I've recently discovered the cinema! A hidden gem with cheap films (but same things that are in other cinemas) and few adverts/previews. A great place all around!
Love the buildings, walkways and theatre . So inspiring . Tours also very good both Free ones and architecture tours. Worth finding out the history of this very special estate, unique in Europe. So much to see and do here
me love so much i cry so Amazon i love it me love love i saw guy eat food i cry i see girl dance i cry so good i love i kiss the Ground i love
I don t know anyone who doesn t love the Barbican, the sound quality in the auditorium is amazing and it doesn t matter where you sit you always feel so close to the artist.
I went there for to see Ludovico Einaudi concert and I really loved that place. Great seats and very good organization.
A building that is worth visiting if you are in London, different from the usual attractions. A must see is the Barbican Conservatory, a Greenhouse open only on Sundays.
Great concert hall. Poorly designed cultural complex.
An architecturally fascinating place. Always presents an interesting exhibition in the gallery. Family-friendly, there are couches, a mobile phone charging option - which is quite rare in London and even a cute gymboree. There is a small cafe next to the gallery and a nice restaurant outside. Close to St. Paul's Cathedral then worth a visit.
The Barbican Centre is a marvel of cultural architecture. I say 'marvel' in a very tentative way, because, like the whole Barbican Estate built around it, it has always divided opinion concerning whether or not it is 'brilliant' architecture or 'horrific' architecture.
I like it, but I always welcome a debate. The Barbican is much like Milton Keynes. It was built an idea of what living in London might be like decades in the future, from the viewpoint of planners in the 60s and 70s. As such, the Barbican Centre was built as a self-contained social hub for the residents of the estate, with the idea that they'd never need to leave the estate, presumably as a result of a nuclear apocalypse or the outbreak of anarchy in the rest of London.
Within this bizarre notional shell is actually a very good performance space, with a warm and inviting feel and excellent acoustics. Just don't expect to be able to find your way in or out with any ease. Every time I have visited the space I have gotten lost. Every. Time. Seriously. And I've been going here for 15 years at least.
The programme of events is diverse and ambitious. I would recommend a concert from the London Symphony Chorus or a play from the Royal Shakespeare Company, which both call this space their home. You're therefore very likely to find yourself here if you want some high-brow performance entertainment in London. I'm sure you'll enjoy it, even if the decor raises one (or both) of your eyebrows.
This has many different things you could try and do things. I ve been a regular of the city library since I was a kid and it s exceptionally good. It also is home to some great independent gigs (classical or indie or jazz you name it) and a good cinema. It also is home to some fascinating exhibits as well as a greenhouse space.
Kaifu from the local atmosphere and the coolness of architecture. I advise you to visit.
Amazing music, comfy chairs and beautiful architecture.
Excellent place for art and performances. Don't miss the art gallery, bars and restaurants.
The current photographic exhibition is absolutely amazing, outstanding photography from the 50'ies and 60'ies.
Really worth a trip to London
I had a great experience visiting the exhibition of Toyin Ojih Odutola. Very much recommend :)
Best venue in London. A number of different music halls but the main auditorium offers a brilliant way to see any act. Phenomenal acoustics and a rich and diverse programme throughout the year. Plenty else to do on a visit, including galleries, gardens, restaurant and cafes.
Disappointing customer service. Really tired of staff in cultural venues who treat you like you should be grateful they acknowledge you!
