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The Barbican Conservatory is preparing to close for three years starting in January to undergo an extensive restoration project. In anticipation of this closure, the conservatory is offering over 2,000 plant cuttings free of charge to the public. These cuttings can be reserved through online booking, with the first distribution event taking place on Wednesday and two additional collection opportunities scheduled later this year.
As a Grade II listed arts venue, the Barbican Conservatory houses around 800 different plant species within its multi-level glass structure, which first opened in 1984. The free plant cuttings include varieties such as monstera, ficus, and purple-and-green tradescantia. This initiative is carried out in partnership with the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre. Each event will provide visitors with insights into the conservatory’s architectural heritage as well as the history and development of its plant collection.
The upcoming £231 million refurbishment aims to create a climate-controlled environment better suited for plant health and public enjoyment. Planned improvements include the installation of a new lift and staircase to access elevated balconies, relandscaping to optimize conditions for plant growth, and the removal of accessibility barriers to ensure the conservatory is welcoming to all visitors. Additionally, the distinctive brutalist features of the Barbican’s foyers and lakeside terrace will be carefully conserved and enhanced as part of the renovation.
Currently, the conservatory opens only occasionally each month, but post-restoration it will welcome visitors daily at no cost. Dr Philippa Simpson, the Barbican’s chief operating officer, highlighted that the project focuses on “creating a healthier home for plants and enabling more people to enjoy the environment and the activities it will host.” She further commented, “Each cutting is the beginning of something new, and as thousands of plants start putting down roots across London, we’ll be laying the foundations for a greener, more resilient and more welcoming Conservatory than ever before.”
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