Free things to do

Everyone's journey starts on Level G. Experience free installations, commissions and events in our public spaces, whatever time you visit.

Free events & performances

Concrete and Clay: Archiving the Barbican

Event

Art & design Tours & public spaces

Concrete and Clay: Archiving the Barbican

Free

Thu 6 Apr 2023 –Fri 5 Apr 2024

This free installation invites visitors to orient themselves in the buildings and their complex, fascinating histories in an exciting new display at the heart of the Barbican’s Foyers.

Installation view Barbican Art Gallery 14 September 2023 – 11 February 2024 © Eva Herzog / Barbican Art Gallery

Event

Art & design

Julianknxx: Chorus in Rememory of Flight

Free

Thu 14 Sep 2023 –Sun 11 Feb 2024

Poet, artist and filmmaker Julianknxx explores themes of inheritance, loss and belonging as he crosses the boundaries between written word, music and visual art.

Event

Tours & public spaces

Squish Space

Free

Sat 2 –Sun 17 Dec 2023

Squish Space, our free creative play space for under 5s and their families.

sculptures hang from the ceiling of the Conservatory

Event

Art & design Tours & public spaces

The Conservatory x Ranjani Shettar

Free

Sun 3 Dec 2023 –Sun 31 Mar 2024

Our Conservatory hosts a spectacular new site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar.

Event

Art & design Talks & events Tours & public spaces

What Is Happening Inside?

Past event

Wed 27 Sep –Sun 15 Oct 2023

What Is Happening Inside? is a development programme in which young people produced sound pieces that engaged with what happens inside institutions and considered how communities can take control.

Event

Tours & public spaces

Welcome Tour

Past event

Thu 24 Aug –Sat 9 Sep 2023

Discover the Barbican Centre on one of our free 20 minute tours.

Event

Talks & events Tours & public spaces

Squish Space SEN/D Open Session

Past event

Fri 28 Jul 2023, 10:00

An open Squish Space workshop exclusive to Special Education Needs/Disabled children and their parents/carers.

Image of 5 people standing at Barbican Lakeside

Event

Art & design Talks & events Tours & public spaces

Young Changemakers: The Lift Off

Past event

Thu 20 Jul –Fri 22 Sep 2023

The Young Changemakers pilot Programme was initiated to put young people at the heart of decision-making processes at the Barbican.

What Do We Become title image black background with yellow text

Event

Talks & events Tours & public spaces

What Do We Become

Past event

Fri 14 Apr –Sun 7 May 2023

What Do We Become is an exhibition expanding ideas of identity, home, and belonging.

Group of participants at a workshop around a table

Event

Swimming In These Waters: Shifting Power In The Current Cult

Past event

Fri 24 Feb 2023, 14:00

Navigating the current cultural landscape can often leave us feeling adrift – treading water in an industry that has traditionally leaned heavily on established structures and hierarchies.