Barbican Centre

The Barbican was first built by the Romans and in the 16th century it became the artsy area of London that housed actors and writers, including Shakespeare and Ben Johnson. It was also home to thieves and black market dealings, and as inhabitants fell victim to The Great Plague, over 70% of the population was wiped out. This, followed by the London Fire in 1666 and bombing damage from the Second World War, laid the area to ruin. It was not until 1952 that the area started to come back to life. This time, it was built to showcase the good side of all that London's culture had to offer. Today the Barbican is a residential center (the Barbican Estate) and the Barbican Centre- a center for performing and visual arts, and is now Europe's largest multi-arts and conference venue.

More on the Barbican Centre
Barbican's History
Concept and Design
Visitor Information
A more detailed history of the Barbican

The Barbican Library is the most popular lending library in London and is located on the 2nd floor of the Barbican Centre. More on the Barbican Library.

Guildhall Library