Conceived from the rubble of the Second World War but not finally completed until the height of the stock-broking boom in 1982, the Barbican centre is the City of London's considerable gift back to the people. Described by the Queen as a "marvel of the modern world" this colossal arts venue is a magnificent place to catch a gig, check out an art gallery or just while away some time wandering around its grand interiors.

The Barbican is a beautifully designed space with state of the art facilities and much better acoustic than London's other huge arts centre, the Royal Festival Hall. With an impressive programme of year round theatrical and music events, a fantastic outreach into its surrounding community and the power to draw some of the world's biggest performers, the Barbican is a major contributor to London's world-beating cultural programme.

The concert hall is magnificent and there are 2 theatres: one an intimate, experimental space (The Pit) and the other a huge arena which plays home to big budget new adaptations and classics alike. The latter is currently the London home to the Royal Shakespeare Society. There is also a fantastic art gallery flooded with light that hosts brilliant contemporary shows, free to the public. Finally the complex boasts three medium size cinemas. If you must go and visit for a mere movie, do yourself a favour and arrive early - this is one of London's cultural landmarks and well worth a visit just to look round.

To find out about about theatre at the Barbican, check out what's going on in the Main Theatre and the Pit Theatre

Alternatively, all our art listings can be found either on this page, or over at the page for the Barbican's Art Gallery. elsewhere on the site.