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From Monday 13 July we're partially reopening. Everyone who visits us will need a ticket in advance. Find out more

Visit the Conservatory

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Photo of pathway with bridge surrounded by greenery and plants in the Barbican Conservatory
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Visit the second biggest Conservatory in London and explore our hidden tropical oasis.

For the first time, the Conservatory is open seven days a week throughout the summer, offering a unique place for relaxation amongst tropical plants and trees (and concrete, of course).

As well as three indoor ponds, the Conservatory houses more than 1,500 species of plants and trees, some of which are rare and endangered. This includes a vibrant mix of temperate and arid species ranging from the rocky deserts and bushland of South Africa to the coastline of Brazil. The ponds are home to koi, ghost, and grass carp from Japan and America, with another pool providing a safe haven for terrapins.

For your safety and that of our staff, we've removed seating from the Conservatory. We recommend you allow 20 minutes for your visit.

Admission is free. Please book in advance online. 

Tagged with: Tours & public spaces Conservatory Free

With the exception of guide dogs, dogs are not permitted inside the Conservatory. 

Please contact the Box Office on 0845 120 7500 with any access related enquiries.

Opening times

Mon-Fri 11am-7pm
Weekends 10am-7pm

In line with government guidelines, new safety measures will be in place. We are operating at reduced capacity, and have introduced timed entry slots to ensure a safe flow of visitors through the Conservatory. Tickets must be booked in advance of a visit.

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Help people of all ages and backgrounds to discover their creative voice by supporting the Barbican Fund
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Watch

photo of marta lowcewicz laughing in the conservatory

Watch: Marta Lowcewicz, Head Gardener at the Barbican Conservatory

Head Gardener Marta reveals the secrets of this tropical oasis.

Photo of man playing piano

Watch: Barbican Sessions- Felicita

In this Barbican Session, London-based electronic musician felicita performs Track 6 from the 2016 'a new family' EP in our Conservatory.

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Join membership for free entry to all exhibitions

New memberships will be extended, so you'll enjoy a full year of benefits when more of the Centre reopens.
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Conservatory facts

  • The Conservatory was designed by the Barbican’s architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, and surrounds the Barbican Theatre’s fly tower, from which scenery for productions taking place on the stage six stories below is lowered into place.
  • The roof is constructed of steel and glass and covers 23,000 square feet, providing cover for over 1600 cubic metres of soil, all of which was hand mixed to a specific requirement.
  • Two of the three pools accommodate koi, ghost, and grass carp from Japan and America, as well as other cold water fish such as roach, rudd, and tench, whilst the other smaller pool (located outside the Arid House) provides a safe haven for terrapins.
  • Planted between 1980 and 1981, and opened in 1984, the Conservatory now houses around 1,500 species of plants and trees, some of which are rare and endangered in their native habitat. The species are a vibrant mix of temperate and arid types ranging from areas as diverse as the rocky deserts and bushland of South Africa to the coastline of Brazil.
  • A varied assortment of the extraordinary flora from around the world includes the iconic tree fern, date palm, the Swiss cheese plant, and coffee and ginger plants all under one roof.
  • There is also an Arid House attached to the east side of the Conservatory with a large collection of cacti and succulents and an overwintering collection of cymbidiums (cool house orchids).
  • For those wanting to learn more about the history and hidden secrets of the Conservatory, a tour takes place on selected Sundays led by the Barbican’s resident gardeners. Book your place here.

Hire enquiries

The Conservatory is available to hire for events, conferences, photoshoots, weddings and more. 

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