Original intentions

The Barbican Centre was designed to accommodate a wide range of cultural activities and organisations rather than a single fixed programme. From the outset, it combined performance, exhibition, and public facilities within a single complex, with particular provision made for major resident organisations.

London Symphony Orchestra

One of the most consistent elements in the use of the Centre has been the presence of the London Symphony Orchestra. The Barbican Hall was designed as its London home, and it continues to fulfil that role.

This continuity has provided stability in one of the Centre’s principal functions and has contributed to its ongoing reputation as a major concert venue.

Royal Shakespeare Company

The theatre was originally designed for the Royal Shakespeare Company, which occupied it for many years after the opening of the Centre. During this period, it hosted a substantial programme of productions, including major Shakespearean works.

In 2002, the Royal Shakespeare Company left the Barbican. This marked a significant change in the use of the theatre, which has since been used by a wider range of visiting companies and productions.

Guildhall School of Music and Drama

The Guildhall School of Music and Drama formed part of the original Barbican scheme and was closely associated with the Centre. Over time, much of its activity has moved to its Milton Court building, which provides dedicated teaching and performance facilities.

Despite this shift, the School remains closely linked to the Barbican, and its presence continues to influence the use of the Centre and surrounding spaces.

Cinemas

The use of the cinema facilities has also changed. The original provision of multiple cinema spaces within the Barbican Centre has been reduced, with only one cinema now remaining within the main building.

Additional cinemas are located on Beech Street, outside the main Centre complex. This reorganisation reflects broader changes in film exhibition and in the use of the Barbican’s spaces.

Galleries and exhibitions

The art galleries have developed into a significant part of the Barbican’s programme, hosting a wide range of exhibitions. Their use has expanded over time, contributing to the Centre’s role as a venue for visual as well as performing arts.

Public spaces

The use of the public areas within the Barbican Centre has also evolved. During the day, foyers and circulation spaces are used by visitors, residents, and students for informal activities such as reading, studying, and meeting.

This pattern reflects the integration of the Centre with the wider Barbican Estate and reinforces its role as a place of continuous activity rather than one used only at the times of performances.

Overall development

The use of the Barbican Centre has therefore changed over time while retaining its original function as a multi-purpose cultural complex. Some of its initial associations have continued, while others have been modified or replaced.

These changes reflect both developments in the organisations associated with the Centre and the need to adapt its spaces to evolving cultural and practical requirements.