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.
Bookended by transformative events in India’s history, explore art from 30 artists made in response to India’s changing cultural-political landscape, with many works never before seen in the UK.
You can book free tickets for Open Gallery from 10am Thu 10 Oct. There will be limited walk up tickets available, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.
This exhibition is organised by the Barbican in collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi.
What's happening across the weekend?
The Imaginary Institution of India: Art 1975-1998 (5 Oct-5 Jan): This was a historical period of social upheaval, economic collapse and rapid urbanisation. Normal life continued, and artists documented history as well as intimate moments. The artworks on show – about friendship, desire, family, religion, violence, caste, community, protest – are deeply personal documents from a period of huge change.
Explore the same period through film with Rewriting the Rules: Pioneering Indian Cinema after 1970 (3 Oct-12Dec). These films were created during the emergence of 'Parallel Cinema' – one of South Asia’s first post-colonial film movements. 11 films span from documentary to narrative drama, to more experimental pieces.
Indulge your senses in Indian classical music at Darbar Festival (24—27 Oct), returning for a 19th year with a magical mix of emerging raw young talent, master performers making their UK debut performances as well as world class legends, maestros and maestras. Yoga, breathwork and meditation sessions will be happening throughout the centre. Plus, there'll be a Pop-Up Market in our foyer, featuring small, independent, culturally-diverse businesses.
Find out more
Summer at the Barbican
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)
The Barbican was designed to be different
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.
