Family Fun at the Barbican

The Barbican has always had lots of events and activities planned for families. This is a badge from the 1990s for the Barbican Cinema Club.

At the time, the Barbican created different family mascots for different activities.

One such mascot was Barney, the Barbican Barn Owl. He featured on mugs, hats and tapes such as this one.

This cassette, for ages 2-9, included fifteen classic children's songs such as Puff the Magic Dragon.

Barney the Barbican Barn Owl was created for a 1993 family festival called Summer in the City. This leaflet is for the 1987 edition of the festival.

Another mascot on the scene in the '90s was the Barbican Beaver. This is an Activity Guide for children visiting the Barbican.

The Barbican Beaver guided readers around the activity booklet, demonstrating the different artforms at the Centre.

Including playing for the London Symphony Orchestra

and performing in a Royal Shakespeare Company play.

He was also the subject of 'Join the dots'.

Children under 12 could join the Barbican Beaver Club to get a free Barbican badge.

Today, family activities at the Barbican are wide-ranging - including the long-running Family Film Club. Though there aren't currently any mascots like Barney.