Barbican to close for a year as part of multimillion-pound redevelopment

London’s Barbican Centre is to close for a year to allow for a planned multimillion-pound redevelopment that will secure its future.

The arts venue will pause activity for "most Barbican programmes" from June 2028 to June 2029, in order to "deliver the upgrades safely and efficiently".

However, it said it would "programme differently with partners", including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Details about how the centre will adapt its programme during this time are still being developed but a spokesperson said its "commitment to delivering creative experiences will continue". 

The Beech Street cinemas will remain open during the closure.

The Barbican Renewal Programme is aimed at securing "the future of the internationally renowned creative powerhouse for the next 50 years".
 
The City Corporation has committed £191 million of funding towards the project, which will "revitalise" the centre’s creative and performance spaces to "expand opportunities for formal and informal use". 

City of London Corporation policy chairman Chris Hayward said: “Today’s decision secures the Barbican Centre’s future as a world-leading cultural and economic powerhouse. Our major investment strengthens its role as an international destination for audiences and artists, supporting thousands of jobs and generating tens of millions for London’s economy. Delivering these works quickly will ensure the Barbican can welcome even more people into a fully accessible, future-ready Centre.” 

William Russell, chair of the Barbican board, added: “Today marks a huge step into the Barbican’s future. We’re not just preserving the centrepiece of the UK’s largest listed site but unlocking the full potential of a cultural icon – a new dawn has begun.” 

The London Symphony Orchestra, resident orchestra at the Barbican, will deliver a full 2028/29 season across London and on tour, with its 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons at the Barbican proceeding as planned.

LSO St Luke’s will stay open throughout the Barbican’s closure.

The City Corporation’s £191 million contribution represents about 80% of the funding needed for the first five-year phase, with the remainder to be raised through a Barbican fundraising campaign.