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Barbican Centre
Performing arts centre in London, England / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the Barbican Estate of the City of London, England, and the largest of its kind in Europe.[1] The centre hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. It also houses a library, three restaurants, and a conservatory. The Barbican Centre is a member of the Global Cultural Districts Network.
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Address | Silk Street London, EC2 United Kingdom |
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Coordinates | 51.5202°N 0.0950°W / 51.5202; -0.0950 |
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Owner | City of London Corporation |
Designation | Grade II |
Type | performing arts centre |
Capacity | Barbican Hall: 1,943 Barbican Theatre: 1,156 The Pit: 200 |
Construction | |
Opened | 1982; 42 years ago (1982) |
Architect | Chamberlin, Powell and Bon |
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The London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra are based in the centre's Concert Hall. In 2013, it once again became the London-based venue of the Royal Shakespeare Company following the company's departure in 2001.[2]
The Barbican Centre is owned, funded, and managed by the City of London Corporation. It was built as the City's gift to the nation at a cost of £161 million (equivalent to £480 million in 2014) and was officially opened to the public by Queen Elizabeth II on 3 March 1982. The Barbican Centre is also known for its brutalist architecture.[3]