Press room

As tickets go on sale today for The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998 and its accompanying film programme, Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970, the Barbican is delighted to announce a special weekend of free entry to this landmark exhibition on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October. Coinciding with the widely-celebrated Darbar Festival of Indian classical music (24 – 27 October), visitors can enjoy Indian arts and culture from across the Barbican’s diverse programme on the eve of the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, and the Sikh celebration Bandi Chor Divas.

The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998 is the world’s first exhibition to explore and chart a period of profound cultural and political change in India. Through the multidisciplinary work of 30 artists and 150 pieces of art, many of which have never been shown in the UK before, visitors across 26 and 27 October can delve into this rich and complex history as the Barbican opens its doors for free access to this blockbuster exhibition. General tickets are on sale now, and booking for this special weekend of free entry will open on Thursday 10 October 2024.

Over the same weekend, in the Cinemas, curator Shai Heredia will introduce a programme of experimental shorts, This Bit of India, which explores youth culture, feminism and urbanisation. This programme is part of the wider 3-month season Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970 which has been specially curated by Dr Omar Ahmed in dialogue with the Gallery exhibition. The season spotlights the innovative work of a new wave of filmmakers in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, whose films were socially minded and politically committed.

Meanwhile, the Darbar Festival of Indian classical music – now in its 19th year – takes over the Barbican Hall and Milton Court Concert Hall and spills out into the Foyers and public spaces from 24 to 27 October. From emerging talent to world-class icons, audiences will discover an enchanting world of Indian melody and rhythm. 

The festival will also reprise its much-loved pop-up market, with stalls hosted by a wide range of independent businesses, as well as offering a variety of free concerts, transforming the Barbican into an immersive celebration of Indian culture. Audiences can participate in a selection of wellbeing sessions, from yoga accompanied by live music, to breathwork, sacred sound baths and mantra and guided meditation sessions.  

Full listings information available in the documents section.