Barbican plans to bring its long-closed Sculpture Court back into public use

The Barbican has opened a consultation on plans to repair and reopen its Sculpture Court, one of the art centre’s largest but least used spaces.

The one-acre courtyard sits above the Concert Hall and follows the curve of Frobisher Crescent, but it isn’t that well known, even among regular visitors to the art centre, as it’s outside the main building and isn’t visible from the entrances.

Originally designed as a flexible outdoor area for art and public use, it has been largely unused for many years, save for the occasional event, due to restricted visitor access, ageing infrastructure, and a lack of seating.

The proposals would return the Sculpture Court to regular public use, while addressing conservation problems affecting the structure below.

Step-free access would be provided throughout for the first time, with gently sloping routes formed within new planters linking all parts of the court to a central platform. New ramps would connect the area to the Barbican Art Centre’s foyer, and to the Conservatory, which is scheduled to open daily and become fully accessible from 2030.

Integrated seating would create additional places to rest and gather.

The scheme also seeks to resolve long-standing technical problems. Deteriorating paving, waterproofing and drainage have caused water ingress into the Concert Hall below. These elements would be replaced, alongside restored lighting and upgraded power supplies, to make the space suitable for routine public use and events.

The consultation is here.

Subject to consultation feedback, planning consent and funding, works are expected to take place between summer 2028 and summer 2029, alongside improvements to the Foyers, Lakeside and Conservatory. The project is being designed by architects Allies and Morrison and engineers Buro Happold.