Free things to do

Sun 15 Dec 2024

Visit the second biggest Conservatory in London and explore our hidden tropical oasis.

Sat 26 –Sun 27 Oct 2024

On the eve of Diwali and Bandi Chor Divas, take a moment to immerse yourself in our programme of Indian arts and culture, with free entry to our major exhibition of Indian contemporary art.

Tue 8 Oct 2024, 18:00

Join Curator Diego Chocano and Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum as they lead a tour of Sunstrum’s new exhibition, It Will End In Tears.

Sun 28 Apr 2024, 13:00

NOW FULLY BOOKED

This workshop is a celebration of the beauty, resilience, and cultural heritage of natural indigo dyeing.

Wed 10 Apr –Wed 17 Jul 2024

A new artwork by Ibrahim Mahama transformed our Lakeside Terrace, enveloping the building’s iconic concrete walls with approximately 2000 square metres of bespoke woven cloth.

Sun 31 Mar 2024

The Squish Space journey has come to a close.

Wed 13 Mar –Sun 30 Jun 2024

Moroccan artist Soufiane Ababri’s commission, Their mouths were full of bumblebees but it was me who was pollinated, explored questions of desire, queerness, and diaspora.

Thu 15 Feb –Tue 2 Apr 2024

Discover this free foyer exhibition informed by over 30 interviews with Japanese women who moved to the UK since 1945. Get an insider's view of what life was like for these fearless pioneers.

Fri 2 –Mon 26 Feb 2024

Founded in 1965 the Printmakers Council aims to promote the art of printmaking and the work of contemporary printmakers nationally.

Fri 12 Jan –Mon 1 Jul 2024

An exhibition for the fans by the fans going some way to explain not just what 2Tone is but why and how we got there.

Wed 27 Sep –Sun 15 Oct 2023

What Is Happening Inside? is a development programme in which young people produced sound pieces that engaged with what happens inside institutions and considered how communities can take control.

Thu 14 Sep 2023 –Sun 11 Feb 2024

Poet, artist and filmmaker Julianknxx explores themes of inheritance, loss and belonging as he crosses the boundaries between written word, music and visual art.

Sun 10 Sep 2023 –Sun 14 Jul 2024

Our Conservatory hosts a spectacular new site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar.

Thu 24 Aug –Sat 9 Sep 2023

Discover the Barbican Centre on one of our free 20 minute tours.

Fri 28 Jul 2023, 10:00

An open Squish Space workshop exclusive to Special Education Needs/Disabled children and their parents/carers.

Thu 20 Jul –Fri 22 Sep 2023

The Young Changemakers pilot Programme was initiated to put young people at the heart of decision-making processes at the Barbican.

Fri 14 Apr –Sun 7 May 2023

What Do We Become is an exhibition expanding ideas of identity, home, and belonging.

Fri 24 Feb 2023, 14:00

Navigating the current cultural landscape can often leave us feeling adrift – treading water in an industry that has traditionally leaned heavily on established structures and hierarchies.

Tue 15 Nov 2022 –Sun 1 Jan 2023

TOO MUCH SOURCE is an annual exhibition dedicated to celebrating Black British creatives who are making history today.

Sun 11 Sep 2022, 17:00

Join us for a live Q&A about the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Experience currently installed on Level G