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Barbican to Close for £451 Million Renovation in 2028

12/12/2025

39 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Barbican in London will close for 12 months from June 2028 for a £451 million renovation, its second extended closure in history.
The Beech Street cinemas will remain open while the Barbican's venues shut.
The London Symphony Orchestra will perform elsewhere during the closure.
Unions seek staff protections amid redundancy talks.
Philippa Simpson, The Barbican's director, said the renovation will secure the venue's future and cut carbon by 40%.

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Story summary

The Barbican in London will close for 12 months from June 2028 for a £451 million renovation, its second extended closure in history.
The Beech Street cinemas will remain open while the Barbican's venues shut.
The London Symphony Orchestra will perform elsewhere during the closure.
Unions seek staff protections amid redundancy talks.
Philippa Simpson, The Barbican's director, said the renovation will secure the venue's future and cut carbon by 40%.