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The Barbican Centre has secured planning permission to restore and revive its iconic one-acre Sculpture Court, transforming it into a new, fully accessible public space that will open in 2030.

Located above the Concert Hall and framed by the curve of Frobisher Crescent, the semicircular Sculpture Court was originally conceived as a space where people could experience art and architecture as part of their daily lives.

Limited accessibility, poor seating and deteriorating infrastructure have meant, however, that the space is currently largely unused by the public. Critical conservation work is also needed to protect the hall below.

The City of London Corporation-approved plans will bring step-free access throughout the Sculpture Court, new climate-resilient planting, improved lighting, upgraded infrastructure for events, new accessible seating and paths, and enhanced wayfinding. 

Together, these improvements will transform the Court into a welcoming space for people and communities to gather, experience art and events, while protecting the heritage significance of the Grade II* listed landscape. 

Alongside the physical transformation, the project has been shaped through engagement with local communities, visitors and audiences to date. Young people aged between 16-25 took part in a dedicated Co-Design Day, sharing ideas for how the Sculpture Court could feel more inclusive, how it could support outdoor programming across the seasons, and how planting could enhance the space. 

Thanks to National Lottery players, the project has also been awarded development funding of £147k from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, to enable detailed design, heritage research, community engagement and archive development, ahead of applying for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.

If successful, the multi-million pound award will help reawaken the Sculpture Court as a vibrant public space that brings people together through culture, learning and shared experience.

Philippa Simpson, Chief Operating Officer, Barbican Centre, said:
“The Sculpture Court was originally conceived as a place where people could experience great art in a beautiful Brutalist setting. We’re pleased our plans to bring this extraordinary space back to life have been approved by the City of London Corporation. 

“We’re also grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for backing us at this stage and to those that have helped shape the plans so far, from neighbours to young people. Culture belongs to everyone, to our communities and to the next generation.

“These milestones represent further momentum in the Barbican Centre’s renaissance, securing the future of a cultural icon and global destination as we approach our 50th birthday, and making sure these special spaces continue to inspire people for generations to come.”

Colette Stevenson, Head of Capital Campaigns, Barbican Centre, said:
“We're hugely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for helping us take this project forward. While essential conservation work will protect the Sculpture Court and the Concert Hall below, this project is also an opportunity to realise the space's full potential, work with our communities and develop our plans in greater detail. Support from funders and donors enables us to go beyond essential repairs and create places that are more accessible, more welcoming and more relevant to the communities we serve.”

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:
“This decision marks an exciting step forward for the Barbican Centre and will transform the Sculpture Court into an open and accessible space, ready for the future.  

“The City of London Corporation is proud to have backed the Barbican Centre’s renewal, ensuring one of London’s most important cultural assets continues to benefit residents, workers and visitors for generations to come. It forms part of the City Corporation’s continued investment in the Square Mile, supporting our wider ambitions to strengthen the City as a world-class destination for business, innovation and culture.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England, London & South, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 
"The Sculpture Court is a much-loved part of the Barbican's remarkable heritage and one of London’s most distinctive Grade II* listed Brutalist landscapes. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support the development of plans to revive it, creating a more welcoming and accessible space for people to enjoy. This project will not only safeguard its heritage for future generations but also establish a vibrant urban green space that will enrich the Barbican experience for visitors and the local community. We look forward to seeing the plans progress as the Barbican reimagines this important place for the next generation."

The Sculpture Court Revived project is designed by architects Allies and Morrison and engineers Buro Happold. It forms part of the Barbican Renewal programme, a major investment in the Centre’s future, that will restore and revitalise some of its most iconic spaces ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2032.

The City of London Corporation has committed £191 million towards the £231 million needed to complete the 2025-30 phase of Barbican Renewal. Additional philanthropic and partnership support will be sought to ensure the full artistic and civic ambition of the programme.   

The Barbican will continue to welcome audiences throughout the works. During a year-long period from June 2028, when work takes place in the Sculpture Court, Foyers and Lakeside spaces, the Centre will take programming beyond its walls with an ambitious season of performances, exhibitions and events across London. Plans for this programme will be unveiled in early 2027.

The renewed Sculpture Court will open in 2030.