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Our story

Our programme

A world-class arts and learning organisation, the Barbican pushes the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts.

Photo of Station to Station smoke installation on the Barbican Lakeside

Artistic vision

We inspire more people to discover and love the arts. 

People enjoying a contemporary music gig

Music

Our boundary-pushing music programme cuts across all genres, including work by contemporary artists, experimental collaborations and visits from the world’s best orchestras and soloists.

Photo through the doors of the Barbican theatre into the stalls

Theatre & dance

Our two theatre spaces play host to the finest international theatre, dance and performance by artists and companies who are challenging the idea of what theatre can be.

A photo of The Japanese House, Architecture and Life after 1945, Installation at Barbican Centre.

Visual arts

Our visual arts programme embraces art, architecture, design, fashion, photography and film. 

Photo of Cinema seats

Cinema

The best international new releases, talks with filmmakers, major curated seasons and leads in the presentation of the performing arts on screen.

Large group of children seating and cheering on some steps in the Barbican

Creative Learning

Pioneering new models for creative and cultural learning across art forms.

Photo of Barbican towers

Annual reports

Download the Barbican's annual reports for an overview of the past few years.

News From Nowhere tent at Walthamstow Garden Party

Communities & Neighbourhoods

We work with local communities to create inclusive and sustainable community run festivals, projects and networks.

Digital Revolution at the Barbican

International work

Situated at the heart of an international capital city, the Barbican aims to represent the vitality and diversity of London’s languages, cultures and stories.