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The Barbican Centre's brutalist facade and iconic balconies

Barbican Centre

ArchitectureArtOpens 9amFrom £12Barbican

The Barbican is brutalist architecture at its most unapologetic: a concrete citadel housing an art gallery, concert halls, theatres, cinemas, a library, and a tropical conservatory. The gallery shows ambitious thematic exhibitions that span art, design, film, and music. The free Curve gallery hosts regularly changing installations. Getting lost in the building is practically a rite of passage — follow the yellow lines on the floor.

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Plan Your Visit

Getting there

Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS

Nearest station: Barbican and Moorgate

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Hours

Mon08:00–23:00
Tue08:00–23:00
Wed08:00–23:00
Thu08:00–23:00
Fri08:00–23:00
SatToday09:00–23:00
Sun09:00–23:00

Admission

From £12

Under 12s free. The Curve gallery is always free. Concessions available.

Accessibility

Step-free access to all public areas. Hearing loops in all venues. Wheelchairs available. Accessible performances and relaxed screenings.

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Visitor Information

How much does Barbican Centre cost?
Standard adult admission to Barbican Centre is £12. Under 12s free. The Curve gallery is always free. Concessions available.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.
What are the opening hours of Barbican Centre?
Barbican Centre is open Building and foyers: Mon–Fri 08:00–23:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–23:00, Bank Holidays 11:00–23:00. Art Gallery (Level 3): Tue–Wed & Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00, Thu–Fri 10:00–20:00, closed Mon and Bank Holidays. The Curve (Level G, free): Tue–Sun 11:00–19:00, closed Mon.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Barbican Centre?
Barbican Centre is located at Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS, in the City of London area of London. The nearest stations are Barbican and Moorgate.
What can I see at Barbican Centre?
Europe's largest arts centre — gallery, concert hall, cinemas, and a hidden conservatory. Current highlights include Dayanita Singh, Robert Ryman: The Real Thing and Concrete and Clay: Archiving the Barbican.
Do I need to book Barbican Centre in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.
When is the best time to visit Barbican Centre?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is Barbican Centre accessible?
Step-free access to all public areas. Hearing loops in all venues. Wheelchairs available. Accessible performances and relaxed screenings.

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