Barbican Conservatory Closes for 3-Year Renovation, Offers Plant Cuttings

The Barbican Conservatory, a significant 'green lung' within London's brutalist architectural complex, is temporarily closing its doors for a three-year renovation. The closure, part of a broader £231 million renewal program for the Barbican site, is necessitated by urgent structural issues, including falling glass from the ceiling and extensive waterproofing problems that have impacted the space and adjacent areas.

Ahead of the closure, the Barbican hosted an event where 500 individuals were invited to take home cuttings from the conservatory's diverse plant collection, treating it as a pet adoption. This initiative saw significant public interest, with online tickets selling out rapidly. Attendees, including local residents and plant enthusiasts, expressed a mix of sadness at the closure and excitement for the restoration, viewing the event as a community gathering and a way to preserve a piece of the conservatory.

Head gardener Marta Lowcewicz highlighted the social media buzz surrounding the event and the need for updated climate control and irrigation systems to better suit the changing climate. The conservatory houses plants from around the world, and efforts are being made to retain as many as possible, with a focus on selecting species that complement the Barbican's striking architecture. Upon its reopening in 2030, the conservatory is planned to be fully accessible and open seven days a week, a significant improvement from its current limited access and hours.