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Pushing the boundaries of theatre, dance, film, music and visual art, the Barbican is a world-class arts and learning centre.

We inspire more people to discover and love the arts. 

We attract new arts audiences and participants, creating inspiring arts experiences for all. From first encounters to higher education programmes, we develop interests, skills, confidence and careers.

We work with outstanding artists to create an innovative international programme that crosses art forms, collaborating with organisations from around the globe to give audiences opportunities to experience outstanding work by acclaimed international companies and artists.

We celebrate the artists of today and invest in those of tomorrow. We work with artists at every stage of their career, supporting and fostering opportunities for exciting new talent as well as promoting the work of world-class artists. Our ambitious cultural partnerships will offer outstanding creative opportunities for every young person across eight east London boroughs.

We deliver this through:

    Collaborating with partners to achieve our ambitions
    Building a creative destination for our many audiences
    Creating a programme that can exist within and beyond our walls
    Supporting and developing our talented team

The City of London Corporation is the owner, founder and principal funder of the Barbican Centre.

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The Barbican Centre, situated within the Barbican Estate in the City of London, England, stands as Europe's largest performing arts center. It serves as a multifaceted venue, hosting classical and contemporary music concerts, theatrical performances, film screenings, and art exhibitions. Additionally, the Barbican Centre boasts a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory, and it proudly holds membership in the World Network of Cultural Districts.

Notably, the Concert Hall at the Barbican Centre serves as the home for both the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, it regained its status as the London residence for the Royal Shakespeare Company, a role it had held until 2001.

The Barbican Centre is under the ownership, funding, and management of the City of London Corporation. It was constructed as a gift from the City to the nation, with a price tag of £161 million (equivalent to £480 million in 2014). Queen Elizabeth II formally opened the Barbican Centre to the public on March 3, 1982. Furthermore, the center is renowned for its distinctive Brutalist architectural style.

Barbican Centre / Past performances

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