The Barbican Centre in London will close for one year starting in June 2028 as part of a five-year "Barbican Renewal Programme" to renovate its three gallery spaces and other infrastructure. The City of London Corporation has committed £191 million (about $255.8 million) toward the £240 million ($321.3 million) project, with the remainder to be raised through a fundraising campaign. During the closure, the Barbican plans to collaborate with partners and present programming beyond its walls.
The renovation aims to secure the Barbican's future as a major creative and cultural hub for the next 50 years, enhancing its capacity for exhibitions, learning, and community engagement. The closure will temporarily disrupt access to notable shows like "Dirty Looks: Desire and Decay in Fashion," "Lucy Raven: Rounds," and "Giacometti: Encounters," but the institution's commitment to going "beyond our walls" signals a strategic adaptation that could serve as a model for other venues undergoing major renovations.