Barbican Sculpture Court Set for Major Accessibility & Green Revamp

The Barbican Centre, a cornerstone of London’s arts since 1982, is embarking on a comprehensive renovation, with sections slated for a year-long closure starting June 2028. A central element of this extensive overhaul is the revitalization of its Sculpture Court, a one-acre courtyard situated above the Concert Hall and framed by Frobisher Crescent. This significant outdoor space currently suffers from “limited accessibility, deteriorating infrastructure, and poor seating,” leading to its underutilization by the public despite hosting occasional events like outdoor cinema and a forthcoming public art commission by Delcy Morelos.

The ambitious renovation, led by architects Allies and Morrison and engineers Buro Happold, aims to transform the Sculpture Court into a vibrant and accessible public area. Key improvements include the installation of wide, gently sloping ramps and abundant new seating to drastically enhance accessibility. A focus on aesthetic renewal will see fresh brickwork and lighting meticulously designed to align with the Barbican’s original 1980s aesthetic. Furthermore, the courtyard will undergo a substantial green transformation with the introduction of over two thousand new plants, specifically chosen for their resilience to warmer summers and wetter winters. These plants will be housed in large, brick planters that cleverly integrate additional seating, enhancing both beauty and functionality.

Ultimately, the project’s overarching goal is to reintegrate the Sculpture Court into daily civic life, creating “a beautiful, flexible and accessible setting where people can pause, meet and encounter art, architecture and nature.” This revitalization also addresses critical conservation needs impacting the Concert Hall below. Historically, the court once hosted diverse events such as 1980s ‘May Day Madness’ and a production of Hamlet, underscoring its past potential as a lively hub. A public consultation regarding the Sculpture Court’s future is open until February 10, 2026, inviting community input on this significant cultural rejuvenation.

(Source: https://londonist.com/london/news/barbican-sculpture-court-renovation)