The Barbican

You either love or hate the Barbican complex. It's brutalist, not everyone's cup of tea, but it is what it is. Hasn't changed much since my graduation ceremony here ages ago. It could use a fresh lick of paint, though.

I'm a regular at the Barbican because I dig the creative vibes. It might look like a concrete jungle, but the creativity pulls me in. Did you know there's even a Conservatory here? It's not quite Kew Gardens, but it's impressive for where it is. I went to this free-ticketed Sculptures exhibition. It's the second-largest Conservatory after Kew.

The Conservatory's story is cool. Initially, it was to hide this massive fly tower, but then someone thought, "Hey, let's add some plants." Fast-forward a few decades, and voilà! Mini Kew Gardens. You've got palm trees, banana plants, Koi Carp fish. I didn't spot the terrapins they moved from Hampstead Heath, though. There's even a little café in there.

Next door is the Cacti House. If you're into cacti, you'll love it: tiny cute ones, big sprawling ones - perfect inspiration for your next desk plant.

I saw the exhibition by Ranjani Shettar called 'Songs on the Horizon'. She made five suspended sculptures in her studio in rural Karnataka, India. The backdrop? Our lovely Conservatory. It used to be you could wander in during opening hours, but now it's only for special events: over 1,500 tropical plant species and exotic fish in there.

Now, about the Barbican itself. It's a top-notch performance venue - concerts, theatre, films, art exhibitions, you name it. The apartments are pretty unique, too, blending communal and private spaces.

It's not just the arts centre. You've got residential towers, the City of London School for Girls, the Museum of London, Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and the YMCA, all in one place—built in the 50s by Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon to fill the void left by the Blitz.

The architecture? Pure Brutalism. Robust concrete has a blocky look. They designed it as a self-contained living space - gardens, fountains, walkways—an urban microcosm.

I've been in one of the posh flats. My mate lived there and paid over a million quid for a two-bed. I was a bit claustrophobic for my taste and expected a grander price. But the location? Unbeatable. Everything's a stone's throw away in the Square Mile.

Fun fact: a strict "no laundry on balconies" rule exists. All balconies must be clutter-free. It's very prim and proper.

A bit of history for you. "Barbican" means a fortified outpost or gateway, fitting since it's on the old city walls. Pre-war, it was all Victorian houses and light industry. Then the Blitz hit hard. Post-war, they chose this bombed-out area for a major revamp.

More fun facts:

❇️There's a time capsule in the foundations.

❇️Some gardens are resident-only.

❇️The concrete was hand-shaped by a small team using 'bush-hammering'.

❇️It's Grade II listed.

❇️Queen Liz called it "one of the world's modern wonders" when she opened it in '82.

❇️The towers are named Cromwell, Shakespeare, and Lauderdale. Each is 123 metres high, 42 stories.

❇️It's Europe's largest performing arts centre.

❇️Building cost in '82? £156 million. That's about £500 million today.

In a nutshell, Barbican's got something for everyone. You'll find something to love even if Brutalism isn't your thing. It's like a little world within London. And when you need a breather, go outside and chill by the fountains. You might not hear any loud music from the residents around the complex, but you even hear lovely music floating from the Music School next door. I hear it’s sound proof, but here’s hoping for some chilled vibes.

That's my Barbican spiel. I hope you enjoyed it! Catch you later.

Best wishes, Tabby London

Follow me for more of my adventures on Instagram @londontabby2024