The Barbican’s Instagrammable plant conservatory will soon be open seven days a week

  • london
  • July 1, 2020
  • Comments Off on The Barbican’s Instagrammable plant conservatory will soon be open seven days a week
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Finally, we’ll be reunited with some of our favourite cultural institutions this weekend, as museums and attractions open their doors to the public after a four-month wait.

Others will be back in business over the coming weeks.

One of London’s star players, the Barbican, is scheduled to reopen on Monday 13 July – and it’s back with a bang.

The performing arts centre – which usually hosts contemporary music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings and art exhibitions – has announced that its popular plant conservatory will be open seven days a week.

Before lockdown, the Instagrammable spot was only open to the public on selected Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays – between noon and 5pm. 

The foliage-filled room features more than 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees – some of which are endangered – alongside exotic fish and three indoor ponds.

It’s also home to some rowdy terrapins, who were relocated to the conservatory after terrorising wildlife on Hampstead Heath.

The indoor rainforest, which first opened in 1984, is even more striking against the Barbican’s brutalist architecture.

It’s also one of the biggest greenhouses in London – after Kew Gardens.

Demand for the reopening is expected to be big, so those looking to visit the venue will need to book online.

Barbican members can book from today, Wednesday 1 July, and non-members will be able to do so from Thursday 2 July.

If you’re looking for more hidden spots to explore now lockdown is slowly lifting, be sure to check out these 10 hidden gems in the capital – including Postman’s Park, located a stone’s throw from the Barbican.

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