An adventure through London’s icon of Brutalist architecture
In collaboration with the 'Concrete and Clay: Archiving the Barbican' exhibition at
Did you know...
The word 'Barbican' comes from the Latin 'Barbecana' referring to a fortified building... but this cultural castle holds more than you would expect, with a cinema, conservatory, library, and art gallery to explore
Familiarize yourself with the map
Shakespeare Tower
Shakespeare Tower is the middle of the three Barbican towers. When it was first built, it was the tallest residential block in Europe. It was named after Shakespeare as he lived nearby – during which time he wrote Othello, Measure for Measure and King Lear.
Thomas More House
Thomas More House overlooks the largest garden space in the Barbican, which is open to all residents and includes a playground.
Frobisher Crescent
Frobisher Crescent is the crescent-shaped building north-west of the Barbican Centre. Its design is based on Jewin Crescent that formerly stood here and was damaged during the Second World War. Chamberlin, Powell and Bon planned the area within the crescent as a ‘sculpture court’ but it has was never been used as such.
Willoughby House
At the edge of the Barbican site, Willoughby House used to be connected to Moorgate station using the above-ground podium. It was named after the aristocratic Willoughby family, who had connections to the area.
St Giles Cripplegate
Did you know, there is an Anglican church, located on Fore Street within the modern Barbican complex. When built it stood without the city wall, near the Cripplegate.
Milton Court
Milton Court originally housed public services for the City of London, including the Barbican’s fireman, a court and a mortuary. It has since been demolished to make way for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s state of the art theatre space, still known today as Milton Court.
Now get lost...
Did you know...
The Barbican has the biggest conservatory in London after Kew Gardens! It houses around 1,500 species of plants and trees, along with ponds for fish and terrapins
Did you know...
The Barbican is home to a residential complex of around 2,000 flats, maisonettes, and houses... its Brutalist towers have influenced pop culture, featuring in a James Bond film and inspiring countless music videos
Climb up to street level
Need to recalibrate?
Study the Barbican Maps
There's a reason people get lost...
Did you know...
There is a time capsule buried in the foundations at the Barbican! We know because one of the Engineers who worked on the building filmed it being cemented in
Transport back in time
You found the time capsule!