The Barbican Centre (1980-02-28/1980-02-28) by Peter BloomfieldBarbican Centre
Resident Companies
When the Barbican Centre opened, our resident companies were the Royal Shakespeare Company in the Theatre, and the London Symphony Orchestra in the Hall.
The Barbican Centre (1980-03-13/1980-03-13) by Peter BloomfieldBarbican Centre
Resident Companies
Here is the LSO performing on the Barbican's opening night in 1982.
The Theatre and Hall were key components in the design and structure of the Centre. They were designed specifically for the LSO and RSC.
Concert Hall and Theatre by Chamberlin, Powell & BonBarbican Centre
Theatre and Concert Hall: Elevations
These drawings are elevations, showing the structure side-on so you can see what’s in it as a cross-section. This drawing shows where the Theatre and Hall are situated in the building.
Theatre and Concert Hall: Elevations
Here’s our podium level – pedestrians regularly walk over the roof of the hall even while concerts are going on.
Theatre and Concert Hall: Elevations
Originally there was a sculpture court on top of the hall. But there were fears about how much weight the roof could take.
Theatre and Concert Hall: Elevations
Over at our Theatre, here’s the fly tower which the conservatory conceals at the top.
Theatre and Concert Hall: Elevations
The lakeside with the railway running underneath on one side.
Theatre and Concert Hall: Elevations
And the Silk Street entrance on the other.
Here you can watch a clip which shows some of the early Barbican models for the concert hall, including a scale model which tested the acoustics by playing music through the ears of a tiny wooden audience member:
Barbican Archive Mixtape created by Jack Wormell
