Barbican to close its doors for a year for multimillion-pound renovation

"The Barbican will close its doors for 12 months from June 2028 as it undergoes a multimillion-pound renovation that its leaders say will secure its future. The arts organisation's Beech Street cinemas will remain open but its theatre, music venue, conservatory and visual arts galleries are set to shutter as the overhaul of the 43-year-old building begins in the lead-up to its 50th anniversary in 2032."

"Philippa Simpson, the director of buildings and renewal at the Barbican, said the work could not be completed while the site was open to the public as it would be too dangerous, but that it was essential to secure the site's future. If we want it for another 50, then you've got to rip the plaster off and do it now and let it thrive for the next 50 and not just limp along, Simpson said."

The Barbican will close its main site for 12 months from June 2028 to June 2029 for a multimillion-pound renovation. Beech Street cinemas will remain open while the theatre, music venue, conservatory and visual arts galleries will close; the conservatory will shut earlier in 2027. Major work includes shutting the ventilation system, replacing electrical systems and safely removing asbestos, necessitating full public closure for safety. The overhaul aims to reduce the centre's carbon use by 40% and ready the 43-year-old building for its 50th anniversary. Resident companies will perform elsewhere during the closure.

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