Conservatory Visits
Workshops and Self-led visits
Explore our living classroom! Book a free workshop (subject to availability), or a self-led visit, when the Conservatory is open exclusively for school and college groups.
Conservation Creatures Workshop (11:00 – 12:30)
Join site-specific sound artists and theatre-makers GeoTone on an exploration of the Conservatory. Students will learn about ecosystems, whilst searching for and creating their own mythical creatures that can help to conserve the plants and their habitats!
This workshop has been developed for students with SEN/D but can be adapted for groups of up to 30 KS2 mainstream students.
Self-led visits (bookable timeslots at 1, 1:30 and 2pm)
These 50-minute sessions for groups of up to 30 students include a brief introduction to the Conservatory, followed by time in the space to use as you wish. Deliver your own lesson content, or use our pre-made creative prompts to generate original artworks and creative writing that respond to the environment.
Self-led visits are available to all Key Stages
Places are free but must be booked in advance. For the 25/26 Academic Year, the visit dates are as below. Please sign up for our Newsletter to be notified when bookings open.
Dates
Autumn term – bookings open Monday 1 September
- Monday 6 October 2025
- Monday 10 November 2025
- Monday 17 November 2025
Spring term – bookings open Monday 5 January
- Monday 2 February 2026
- Monday 2 March 2026
- Monday 16 March 2026
Summer term – bookings open Mon 13 April
- Monday 8 June 2026
- Monday 22 June 2026
- Monday 29 June 2026
For more information and to request to book, please email [email protected].
Please note that we’re unable to provide bespoke Conservatory visits outside of these dates.
Our Galleries
Exhibitions
Schools and education groups are welcome at the Art Gallery and The Curve. Renowned for a diverse range of exhibitions, our galleries are stimulating places for students to experience major artworks by leading visual artists from around the globe, and to learn about contemporary and modern art.
Ticket offers for Schools
Entry to the Art Gallery is free for students up to Year 9 (UK), or international equivalents.
A discounted group booking rate of £3 per student is available for older students in formal education groups of 10 or more people, up to the age of 19.
To book for a school or college group of 10 or more, please email [email protected] or submit a request using our online form.
Exhibitions in the Curve are free to enter (excluding Barbican Immersive exhibitions).
If you have any questions regarding your visit, or would like further information about our current exhibition, please contact [email protected]
Schools Screenings
Schools Screenings
We organise free film screenings and events, exclusively for schools and home educators, across the year. These are programmed to link to topics, conversations and events relevant to children and young people, including International Women’s Day and Refugee Week, and are delivered in partnership with organisations including Into Film, BAFTA, and the Oska Bright Film Festival.
Bring your learners to experience modern cinema, gain insight into the film industry and career pathways and enjoy a fun day out of the classroom.
Sign up to our schools newsletter for details of future screenings as they are confirmed.
Theatre Performances
A range of discounts apply to school bookings for performances in the Barbican Theatre, subject to availability.
Please see the Concessions and Discounts section of your chosen performance for more details.
School Visits Fund
The City of London School Visits Fund is a great way to help children experience the benefits of learning outside the classroom. If you’re a teacher or group leader planning a trip, you can receive up to £300 towards the cost of a visit to a wide variety of inspiring venues managed by the City Corporation. Ranging from the Barbican and Museum of London to Tower Bridge and Epping Forest, visits can support learning at all key stages across the curriculum. See the full list of venues here.
