The Barbican Exhibition: Building a Landmark, Barbican
From WWII bombsite to architectural icon: discover the history of the Barbican building and the history behind its marmite design
© Sidd Khajuria
Barbican building history
The Barbican is probably one of the most iconic, and most love-hate buildings to mark the London skyline. Originally designed after the Second World War as a symbol of a new era in Britain, with utopian modern city living and Europe's tallest tower blocks, the Barbican estate is known for it's marmite taste. But whether you adore the pedestrian walkways or can't stand the concrete ziggurat design, a new exhibition of rare photographs in the Barbican foyers reveals the fascinating story of how this iconic architectural feat came into existence.
Barbican architecture exhibition
Pay a visit to this free exhibition in London to discover more about the history of the Barbican, from it's development into a residential estate in 1959 and the arts centre in 1968. Look out for the original plans by architects Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, photographs which document the building's transformation and even the various concrete surfaces which the architects mused over before choosing the famous tooled-concrete finish we know today. A particular highlight is the look back at the destruction during World War II and the Blitz bombing, when the building was reconstructed.
This journey back in time will delight design lovers as it unravels the secrets behind this famous modernist building.
The Barbican is probably one of the most iconic, and most love-hate buildings to mark the London skyline. Originally designed after the Second World War as a symbol of a new era in Britain, with utopian modern city living and Europe's tallest tower blocks, the Barbican estate is known for it's marmite taste. But whether you adore the pedestrian walkways or can't stand the concrete ziggurat design, a new exhibition of rare photographs in the Barbican foyers reveals the fascinating story of how this iconic architectural feat came into existence.
Barbican architecture exhibition
Pay a visit to this free exhibition in London to discover more about the history of the Barbican, from it's development into a residential estate in 1959 and the arts centre in 1968. Look out for the original plans by architects Chamberlin, Powell & Bon, photographs which document the building's transformation and even the various concrete surfaces which the architects mused over before choosing the famous tooled-concrete finish we know today. A particular highlight is the look back at the destruction during World War II and the Blitz bombing, when the building was reconstructed.
This journey back in time will delight design lovers as it unravels the secrets behind this famous modernist building.
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| What | The Barbican Exhibition: Building a Landmark, Barbican |
| Where | Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Barbican (underground) |
| When |
25 May 15 – 29 Nov 15, Mon–Sat: 9am–11pm Sun: 10am-11pm Bank Holidays: 12 noon–11pm |
| Price | £Free |
| Website | Click here for more details |