The Barbican Centre, an iconic arts venue in London (Grade II listed), is set to undergo a transformation, and will be closing its doors for one year starting in June 2028. The £191 million transformation, mainly funded by the City of London Corporation, has been scheduled ahead of the Barbican Centre’s 50th anniversary.
Since opening in 1982, the centre – which is home to the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), has deteriorated, and the approved plans will aim to revamp the performance spaces, restore the foyers and revitalize public spaces such as the Lakeside Terrance and Conservatory.
Construction is expected to start in 2027/28, with the first phase due to be completed by 2030. One focus for the project is sustainability, utilising reusable materials such as conservatory glass to upgrade building systems. The renewal will also improve accessibility and inclusivity, introducing features like a multi-faith room and improved wayfinding.
The Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said, “Today’s decision secures the Barbican Centre’s future as a world-leading cultural and economic powerhouse. Our major investment strengthens its role as an international destination for audiences and artists, supporting thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions for London’s economy. Delivering these works quickly will ensure the Barbican can welcome even more people into a fully accessible, future-ready Centre.”
Further to this, the Chair of the Barbican Board, Sir William Russell, said, “Today marks a huge step into the Barbican’s future. We’re not just preserving the centrepiece of the UK’s largest listed site but unlocking the full potential of a cultural icon – a new dawn has begun.”
The Managing Director of the London Symphony Orchestra, Dame Kathryn McDowell, said, “The LSO welcomes this vital investment in modernising the Barbican Centre, which will bring significant benefits to all our audiences. We remain fully committed to delivering a full 2028/29 Season across London and on tour, with our 2026/27 and 2027/28 Seasons at the Barbican proceeding as planned. LSO St Luke’s will stay open throughout the Barbican’s closure, becoming the hub of our operations with an expanded schedule of concerts, recordings and broadcasts supported by enhanced digital facilities. Our LSO Discovery learning and community programme will continue uninterrupted.”
During the closure, the London Symphony Orchestra will deliver its full 2028/29 season across London and on tour, shifting its main base to St Lukes for concerts, recordings, and broadcasts. Whilst the main complex will be shut, the cinemas on Beech Street and access through residential areas will remain open.
The Barbican is also planning an external fundraising campaign to help complete the refurbishment of key public spaces, due to the £191m contribution from The City Corporation representing around 80% of the funding needed for the first five-uear phase. The Renewal has four core design principles – designing for all, repairing and conserving, reactivating spaces, and boosting sustainability – and has secured overwhelming public support already.
More information on the transformation plans can be found here.
