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.
For one weekend only, entrance to The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975–1998 is FREE for everyone. The exhibition tracks a historical period of social upheaval, economic collapse and rapid urbanisation. Normal life continued, and artists documented history as well as intimate moments.
Explore the same period through film with Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970 or indulge your senses in Indian classical music at Darbar Festival.
Plus, yoga, breathwork and meditation sessions will be happening throughout the centre and a Pop-Up Market in our foyer, featuring culturally-diverse businesses.
There will be limited walk-up exhibition tickets on the day, subject to availability.
This exhibition is organised by the Barbican in collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi.
What's on?
What's on?
Sat 26 Oct
10 – 6pm:The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998, Art Gallery*
10 – 6pm: Pop up market, Foyer*
10am: Yogabliss to Live Music, Frobisher Rooms
11am: Family Film Club: Momo in Dubai, Cinema 2
12pm: Jayanthi Kumaresh: Veena Unwrapped, Frobisher Auditorium 1
1pm: Breathwork by Davel Patel, Frobisher Rooms
3pm: Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande: Khayal Unwrapped, Frobisher Auditorium 1
4pm: Sacred Sound Bath with Aatma Holistic, Frobisher Rooms
4pm: Rewriting the Rules: This Bit of India + Introduction, Cinema 3
5pm: Akash Parekar + Himmet Bahra, Level G*
6:30pp: Dr L Subramaniam with Ambi Subramaniam + Amaan Ali Bangash, Hall
7pm: Raga Wellbeing with Jason Kalidas, Frobisher Rooms
7pm: Dhrupad: Kirit Singh and Jasdeep Singh, Frobisher Auditorium 1
*free entry
Sun 27 Oct
10 – 6pm: The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998, Art Gallery*
10 – 6pm: Pop up market, Foyer*
10am: Yogabliss to Live Music, Frobisher Rooms
11am: Genius of Aruna Sairam, Hall
12pm: Amaan Ali Bangash: Sarod Unwrapped, Frobisher Auditorium 1
1pm: Breathwork by Davel Patel, Frobisher Rooms
3pm: Dr L Subramaniam: East West Composition Unwrapped, Frobisher Auditorium 1
3:30pm: Jason Kalidas + Harkiret Bahra, Level G*
4pm: Sacred Sound Bath with Aatma Holistic, Frobisher Rooms
5pm: Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande + Pandit Kushal Das, Hall
7pm: Music, Mantra and Guided Meditation with Qi-Rattan, Frobisher Auditorium 1
*free entry
Can't make the weekend?
Every Thursday & Friday from 5–8pm, you can experience The Imaginary Institution of India for less with Pay What You Can.
Select the price you can pay and enjoy the exhibition. Tickets range from £3 to £20. If you're able to pay £20, you'll be helping to support our Visual Arts programme.
Find out more
The Barbican was designed to be different
Our exhibitions are just the same
Save on ticket prices
Save on ticket prices
Multibuy offer:
• Buy one Rewriting the Rules cinema ticket to get 50% off one The Imaginary Institution of India exhibition ticket.
• Buy one The Imaginary Institution of India exhibition ticket to get 50% off two Rewriting the Rules cinema tickets.
• 20% discount when you buy tickets for more than one Cinema Rewriting the Rules screening
(Offers apply to full price tickets, discounts are applied in your basket at checkout)
More free events across the centre
Listen: Darbar Festival on Spotify
Darbar on Spotify
A selection of songs to introduce you to the variety of world-class Indian Classical musicians performing at this year's Darbar Festival.
Art Gallery
Location
The Art Gallery is located on Level 3 and can be accessed by stairs and lifts from Level G or via the Sculpture Court if coming from outside.
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.
