Barbican Conservatory to Close for £231m Restoration, Offers 2,000 Free Cuttings

POLICY WIRE — London, UK — The Barbican Conservatory, a Grade II-listed glasshouse, will close its doors to the public for a three-year period beginning in 2027. The closure is necessitated by a £231 million restoration project aimed at preserving and enhancing the historic structure.

In anticipation of the closure, the conservatory is offering 2,000 free plant cuttings to visitors. These cuttings can be collected by those interested in propagating the conservatory’s diverse plant species at home.

The restoration project, expected to commence in early 2027, will focus on structural repairs, upgrades to the heating and ventilation systems, and improvements to the visitor experience. The conservatory, which opened in 1982, is renowned for its extensive collection of tropical and subtropical plants.

A spokesperson for the Barbican Centre stated, “This restoration is crucial for the long-term preservation of the conservatory. We are excited to offer these free cuttings as a way for our visitors to take a piece of the Barbican home with them while we undertake this significant project.”

Visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to visit the conservatory and collect their free cuttings before the scheduled closure. Detailed information on how to obtain the cuttings and visit the conservatory can be found on the Barbican Centre’s official website.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)