What is the Barbican?

An introduction to the Barbican

Barbican Isometric Drawing (1982) by John RonayneBarbican Centre

Connected but different

It can get confusing when we talk about 'The Barbican', because it can mean two different, but connected things. Both were designed by the same architects: Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, with the engineering firm Ove Arup.

Cromwell Tower by Max ColsonBarbican Centre

A housing estate

The Barbican Estate is a complex of flats and houses where thousands of people live.

Barbican Lakeside Terrace by Max ColsonBarbican Centre

An Arts Centre

The Barbican Centre is a complex of arts venues -- theatres, concert halls, cinemas, art galleries, and much more.

The Barbican Centre (1980-02-14/1980-02-14) by Peter BloomfieldBarbican Centre

The Barbican

Sometimes people use 'The Barbican' to refer to either the Estate, the Centre or both. They are both part of the same site - the arts centre sits inside the residential estate.

Diana Olifirova #MyBarbican (2020) by Diana OlifirovaBarbican Centre

#MyBarbican

During 2020, our community came together online to share their favourite memories of the Barbican - both in the Centre and around the Estate. Pictured here on the tennis court is Diana Olifirova / @dianaolifirovadop

Ishmael Atterh #MyBarbican (2020) by Ishmael AtterhBarbican Centre

#MyBarbican

Ishmael Atterh / @thefontainetheory at Frobisher Crescent, which is home to the Barbican's historic sculpture court.

Honor Elliott #MyBarbican (2020) by Honor ElliottBarbican Centre

#MyBarbican

Honor Elliott / @honorelliott visiting the lakeside terrace with two furry friends. 

Barbican Lakeside Terrace by Max ColsonBarbican Centre

Who visits and lives in the Barbican?

Read more stories from the #MyBarbican project here: https://sites.barbican.org.uk/mybarbican/

Credits: Story

With thanks to

Diana Olifirova @dianaolifirovadop

Honor Elliott @honorelliott

Ishmael Atterh @thefontainetheory

and everyone who took part in #MyBarbican

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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