General access tickets for Our Street are free. They will be released on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Some workshops and events require a separate ticket and may have an additional cost.
Step into this playful and engaging community space where the whole family can unleash their creative side and join in with the fun and games.
We invite you to hang out with us in a London neighbourhood with a difference as The Curve is transformed into Our Street, an imaginary avenue full of playful games. From hopscotch to hula-hooping, board games and crafting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s the perfect place to meet new friends and fall back in love with classic games that you can play together.
This new, creative pop-up space has been designed by West Port Architects in consultation with local school children and artists. Together they will bring the street to life with visuals and play ideas that will spark your imagination, whatever your age.
Across the month there will be a programme of events including workshops, lates and street parties in collaboration with a range of exciting community partners.
Our Street will be open every day from 10am - 6pm between 1-23 Aug.
Age guidance: 5+ for general entry, Family Rave is for 0-8 year olds but all ages welcome. Lates are 18+.
Tickets for general entry sessions and workshops are free, but please book in advance online as we can't guarantee entry for walk-ins.
Presented by the Barbican Creative Collaboration department
Illustration by Matthew Munday
Opening hours
Ticket prices
General access tickets for Our Street are free. They will be released on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Some workshops and events require a separate ticket and may have an additional cost.
Free Activities and Events
We've invited an exciting host of artists and partners to run workshops and events in Our Street across the month. From crafting to storytelling, family raves to adult-focussed evenings, there's a lot to enjoy.
Booking for these events opens here on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Availability is limited for all events, so booking is recommended however we may be able to allow limited walk-ins on the day.
Our Street is open to enjoy throughout the day, even when there's not an event on.
Many of the events are free but ticketed.
Tuesday 6 August
Museum of London Play Cycles: The Broadcaster
Sessions run at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm
Create your own musical instruments using upcycled objects and craft materials, or sit back, relax, and listen to oral histories, stories, and music from the Museum of London’s collection.
Play Cycles are a new pop-up play programme that reimagine London’s streets as radical places for joy, creativity, and gathering. It arrives on a special bike, bringing a new experience each week to Our Street. All ages.
Play Cycles are designed by NOOMA Studio and supported by the City of London Corporation and with public funding by Arts Council England.
We've invited an exciting host of artists and partners to run workshops and events in Our Street across the month. From crafting to storytelling, family raves to adult-focussed evenings, there's a lot to enjoy.
Booking for these events opens here on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Availability is limited for all events, so booking is recommended however we may be able to allow limited walk-ins on the day.
Our Street is open to enjoy throughout the day, even when there's not an event on.
Many of the events are free but ticketed.
Wednesday 14 August
Museum of London Play Cycles – The Explorer
Sessions run at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Build your own imaginary spaces and rummage through our sensory baskets. Create your own protest banners or posters and silhouettes from the Great Fire of London using arts and crafts materials.
Play Cycles are a new pop-up play programme that reimagine London’s streets as radical places for joy, creativity, and gathering. It arrives on a special bike, bringing a new experience each week to Our Street. All ages.
Play Cycles are designed by NOOMA Studio and supported by the City of London Corporation and with public funding by Arts Council England.
Wednesday 21 August
Museum of London Play Cycles: The Companion
Sessions run at 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm & 3pm
Enjoy a quiet and calm space to play themed around wellbeing. Join us for a relaxing afternoon of arts and crafts and board games.
Play Cycles are a new pop-up play programme that reimagine London’s streets as radical places for joy, creativity, and gathering. It arrives on a special bike, bringing a new experience each week to Our Street. All ages.
Play Cycles are designed by NOOMA Studio and supported by the City of London Corporation and with public funding by Arts Council England.
We've invited an exciting host of artists and partners to run workshops and events in Our Street across the month. From crafting to storytelling, family raves to adult-focussed evenings, there's a lot to enjoy.
Booking for these events opens here on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Availability is limited for all events, so booking is recommended however we may be able to allow limited walk-ins on the day.
Our Street is open to enjoy throughout the day, even when there's not an event on.
Many of the events are free but ticketed.
Thursday 8 August
Material Play: Paper Playground
11am & 12pm
Cut, paste, stick and play in this dynamic and collaborative hands-on workshop with Artizine UK to create a radical reimagining of the Barbican’s public spaces – from a brutalist building to an imagined paper playground.
Ioana Simion is a visual artist and arts educator based in East London. Her socially-engaged practice centres craft as a radical tool for community-building and social change. Suitable for over 5s.
Play Story with Usifu Jalloh
2pm and 3pm
An enchanting storytelling session led by performer Usifu Jalloh as he takes you on an epic journey across Africa. Sing some fun songs, meet intriguing characters and play some wild games. But be warned that you must win the game and sing the songs to ever have a hope of returning back home. A story is your reward. Don't forget to pack your suncream lotion. It's going to be hot! Suitable for all ages.
Thursday 8 August
Our Street Late: Game Night with SlayStation and Sappho Events
6:30pm – 10:30pm
Join us for a night of interactive games, drag performances, tarot reading, board games and more as these two trailblazing queer-led collectives take over Our Street for one night only. Aged 18+
Please note that there is a £10 cost for this event.
Thursday 15 August
Material Play with Natalya Martin
11am & 12pm
Turn Our Street into your very own sensory playground. Join artist and facilitator Natalya Martin to explore game-making, chalk drawing, den-building and material play. This is a relaxed session where you are free to explore, experiment and play. Suitable for all ages.
Play Story with Usifu Jalloh
2pm & 3pm
An enchanting storytelling session led by performer Usifu Jalloh as he takes you on an epic journey across Africa. Sing some fun songs, meet intriguing characters and play some wild games. But be warned that you must win the game and sing the songs to ever have a hope of returning back home. A story is your reward. Don't forget to pack your suncream lotion. It's going to be hot! Suitable for all ages.
Our Street Late: Explorers Club present Open Dialogue Dey Play
6.30pm - 11pm
An evening of community and collective celebration as you're invited by Explorers Club to play two favourite games, Dominoes, popular in the Caribbean and the West African strategy game Ayo. 18+ only.
Thursday 22 August
Material Play with Natalya Martin
11am & 12pm
A relaxed crafting workshop where you can think about material play and the senses.
Explore game-making, chalk drawing, den-building and material play with artist and facilitator Natalya Martin. Use string, ribbon, pegs, fabrics and sensory materials to turn Our Street into your very own sensory playground!
Play Story with Usifu Jalloh
2pm & 3pm
An enchanting storytelling session led by performer Usifu Jalloh as he takes you on an epic journey across Africa. Sing some fun songs, meet intriguing characters and play some wild games. But be warned that you must win the game and sing the songs to ever have a hope of returning back home. A story is your reward. Don't forget to pack your suncream lotion. It's going to be hot!
Game Night with ESEA (East and South East Asian Community Centre)
6pm-11pm
Join us for a night celebrating community through mahjong gaming, talks and music and performance from an exciting line-up of East and South Asian talent. 18+ only.
We've invited an exciting host of artists and partners to run workshops and events in Our Street across the month. From crafting to storytelling, family raves to adult-focussed evenings, there's a lot to enjoy.
Booking for these events opens here on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Availability is limited for all events, so booking is recommended however we may be able to allow limited walk-ins on the day.
Our Street is open to enjoy throughout the day, even when there's not an event on.
Many of the events are free but ticketed.
Friday 2 August
Rhyme Time
11:45am – 12:30pm
Barbican Library team bring their popular Rhyme Time session to Our Street especially for young children. Sing songs and nursery rhymes, listen to stories together, then stay and play. Suitable for ages 0-5.
Make & Move with Boy Blue
2pm & 3pm
Join award-winning hip-hop dance theatre company Boy Blue to learn fun, vibrant and energetic moves in a simple follow-me style workshop for all. Feel free to join in or just watch. We'll end with a very special performance from Boy Blue Young Artists with an open floor freestyle session too. Suitable for over 5’s. Duration 1 hour.
Friday 9 August
Rhyme Time
11:45am – 12:30pm
Barbican Library team bring their popular Rhyme Time session to Our Street especially for young children. Sing songs and nursery rhymes, listen to stories together, then stay and play. Suitable for ages 0-5.
Make and Move: Circus Play with Really Nice Theatre
2pm & 3:30pm
Discover sensory circus play including hula-hooping, juggling skills, strange sound making and new ways to balance and play. Meet Sunrise and Sunset, a brother and sister who are trying to work out how to live alongside each other, journey with them as they discover that balance doesn't always mean being the same thing. Drop-in at any time during the session. Suitable for over 5s.
Friday 16 August
Relaxed Play with daryl & co
Play for Families of Neurodivergent and Disabled Children
10am & 12pm
Inclusive children's theatre company daryl & co take fun seriously. This is a relaxed hour of sensory play and exploration for families of Disabled and Neurodivergent Children who will be given exclusive access to Our Street for the morning.
daryl & co is a Disabled-led theatre company where collaboration and co-creation meet mischief and merriment. They make accessible theatre to delight young audiences and their families and tour all over the country. Company founder Daryl is a recognised cultural leader and a high-profile advocate for Disabled artists, communities and young people. Ages 2+
Friday 23 August
Rhyme Time
11:45am – 12:30pm
Barbican Library team bring their popular Rhyme Time session to Our Street especially for young children. Sing songs and nursery rhymes, listen to stories together, then stay and play. Suitable for ages 0-5.
Make & Move with Corali
2pm & 3pm
Dance company Corali make work by, with and for learning disabled people. Everyone is welcome to join this workshop inspired by street games and play. Corali's work aims to empower people. Join us to discover your inner creativity.
We've invited an exciting host of artists and partners to run workshops and events in Our Street across the month. From crafting to storytelling, family raves to adult-focussed evenings, there's a lot to enjoy.
Booking for these events opens here on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Availability is limited for all events, so booking is recommended however we may be able to allow limited walk-ins on the day.
Our Street is open to enjoy throughout the day, even when there's not an event on.
Many of the events are free but ticketed.
Saturday 3 August - Immersive Arcade Street Party with Hunt & Darton
Sessions will run at 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Celebrated comic art duo, Hunt & Darton take over and recreate retro games for the next generation with their fearless team of performers. Their DIY arcade experience lets you become the game, including human Pac-Man, Street Fighter and Space Invaders. Suitable for over 10s.
Saturday 10 August - London Play Street Party
Sessions run at 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
The charity London Play host their special brand of street party, giving kids the opportunity not just to exercise their right to play, but to shout about it too! Alongside space-hopper races, giant beachballs, street games and round-the-world hopscotch, join banner-making workshops to create signs and slogans. to hold aloft in the Parade for Play marking the noisy, joyful finale.
11am & 12pm (Banner making)
1pm & 2pm (Parade)
Saturday 17 August - Street Party with Accumulate and Bullerengue Circle
Sessions run at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm
Celebrate the communal spirit of carnival at our final Street Party with drop-in activities throughout the day culminating in a parade.
12pm & 2:30pm
Hat-making with charity Accumulate who use creativity to improve the wellbeing of young people who are affected by homelessness. They work with hostels and housing organisations to deliver learning experiences and showcasing opportunities in art, photography, creative writing, audio-visual production, fashion and other creative disciplines.
Specially commissioned workshops with multidisciplinary artist Paola Basco inspired by games from around the world. She has worked with artists, community groups and designers to create playful activities for the body and the mind that celebrate different cultures and explore connections between generations. Working between Berlin, London and La Paz she explores oral storytelling traditions, colonial history and the understanding of nature.
3pm & 4pm
Learn Afro-Colombian rhythm and dance moves with Bullerengue Circle. Enjoy the performance and join in the parade to end our summer party.
Bullerengue Circle CIC was founded by Esteban Cardona and Valeria Pacific with the aim to share and spread the Afro Colombian tradition of bullerengue - a set of rhythms consisting of drums, shakers, claps, dance and call-and-response chants. More than music, it is a ritual and a lifestyle and a symbol of resistance promoting inclusion, community and diversity.
We've invited an exciting host of artists and partners to run workshops and events in Our Street across the month. From crafting to storytelling, family raves to adult-focussed evenings, there's a lot to enjoy.
Booking for these events opens here on Thu 18 Jul, 10am.
Availability is limited for all events, so booking is recommended however we may be able to allow limited walk-ins on the day.
Our Street is open to enjoy throughout the day, even when there's not an event on.
Many of the events are free but ticketed.
Sunday 18 August - Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave
Please note that there is a £10 cost for this event. For families with 0-8 year olds but suitable for all ages.
Discover these special events...
Our Street Takeover
Our Street Late
FAQs
Do I have to book tickets?
General entry to Our Street is free, but tickets must be booked in advance. Workshops and events will be ticketed or offered on a first come first served basis. Make sure you check the schedule before you arrive. Pricing information to be announced with the programme.
What are the events, lates and workshops?
A full programme of events will be announced here in July.
How long will it take me to explore Our Street?
We expect that each visit will take around 45 minutes if you're exploring the space yourself. You're free to spend more time playing longer games or just sitting and enjoying the space.
Is this an art gallery?
No, this is is a creative pop-up space filled with classic games and interactive play prompts. We've worked with artists to design different areas, however this is not an art gallery - it's something new.
What ages is it suitable for?
Everyone is welcome, however the daytime games are most suitable for those aged 5+
Can I leave my children in the space?
No. All children must be with a responsible adult at all times. This is a space to be enjoyed together.
Is there buggy parking?
Buggy parking is available at the main entrance to Our Street. Items are left at your own risk.
Even more fun for families
Family Activities
Access
If you have any access requirements that you would like to discuss ahead of your visit, please email [email protected] or call 020 7101 1188 (Mon - Sun 10am-4pm).
Wheelchair Access
During Our Street, The Curve gallery entrance will located by the Hall at the back of Level G. Everybody will enter and exit the space through the same door which is on ground level.
Visual Story
A visual story of The Curve gallery can be requested here under the Visual Stories tab. There are two routes available: one from our Silk Street entrance and another route from Carpark 5 for those arriving via car.
Play your part
The Curve
Location
The Curve is located on Level G and can be found at the bottom of the Silk Street entrance ramp, opposite the Barbican Shop.
Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Assistance dogs are welcome. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the gallery staff during your visit.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
Enhanced security measures are currently in place at the Barbican.
As part of these measures only one reasonably-sized bag (no larger than 32cm L x 18cm W x 22cm H) per person may be taken inside our venues and all bags may be searched by a member of our team.
We ask that, where possible, visitors avoid bringing large bags to the Centre. If you do need to check bags into our free cloakrooms, we suggest arriving early. All bags deposited will be subject to search and random bag searches are also in operation.
Please also remember that belongings should not be left unattended at any time.
Thank you for your understanding – we look forward to welcoming you to the Barbican.
