Bad news: the Barbican Conservatory is closing for three years from the beginning of 2027. Good news: you can adopt one of its plants.
Opened in 1984, the primary reason for the Barbican Conservatory was to hide the theatre's fly tower, but it has since become a form favourite among visitors to the cultural complex, and the perfect antidote to many-a rainy afternoon.
Ahead of its closure, which comes as part of extensive Barbican renovations, more than 2,000 plant cuttings of the Conservatory's temperate and arid plants — including giant-leafed monstera, glossy ficus and purple-and-green tradescantia — are being offered to visitors to take home.
At each 'adoption' event, visitors will learn about the Conservatory's architectural history, the development of its horticultural collection and its planned revitalisation. Tickets (and plants) are free, with donations encouraged.
It appears that Londoners have some seriously green fingers, because the first batch of tickets, for the August event, were snapped up immediately. There are, however, two more events planned, for 13 September and 2 December 2026, so stay tuned into the Barbican's website/socials for details. And if you're not fortunate enough to bag a Barbican plant, book in a visit anyway, before the Conservatory closes.
After closing in early 2027, the Barbican Conservatory will reopen in 2030, relandscaped for optimal plant growing conditions and fitted with more sustainable systems. It will also be fully accessible, with step-free access throughout, widened paths and a new lift. In another exciting twist, it will open daily, rather than a few times a month. Entry will continue to be free.
