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Our Street

The Curve Takeover

— ,The Curve
Two young girls sit on the floor in Our Street playing with some building blocks shaped like house bricks.

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 have brought the street to life with visuals and play ideas that will spark your imagination, whatever your age.

Across the month there's events including workshops, lates and street parties in collaboration with a range of exciting community partners. Find out more below.

Tagged with: Talks & events Tours & public spaces Theatre & dance More...

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+. Please note, one photographic image contains a swear word.  Please speak to a Host if you would like to avoid it.

Tickets for general entry sessions and workshops are free, but please book in advance online as we can't guarantee entry for walk-ins. Entry is within the pre-booked hourly timeslot.

Presented by the Barbican Creative Collaboration department

Illustration by Matthew Munday
Photography by Jesse Olu Ogunbanjo

This project has been supported by the City of London through its Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund.

Opening hours

  • Mon-Sun   10am - 6pm

Creative team

  • Anna Bruder   Interactive artist, A Line Art
  • Paul Burgess   Designer, theatre-maker, activist
  • Shaun Ihejetoh   West Port Architects
  • Matt Munday   Artist, illustrator
  • Williamz Omope   Photographer, documentary maker, social entrepreneur
  • Joel Scott   Games makers, Goat & Monkey
  • Colin Tonks   Cycle-powered innovators, Electric Pedals
  • Roxy Velvet   Artist, Velvet Underground Tattoo

Book 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 is now open.

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 - just book a general entry ticket above.

Wednesday 21 August

Museum of London Play Cycles: The Companion
Free, Book Now: 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. 
 

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

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.

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.