Arts

Business

Events

What are the venue hire rates and minimum catering requirements for the Barbican Centre Arts spaces?

Evening venue hire (17:30-00:00) for the Garden Room & Conservatory is £7,800+VAT with a minimum catering spend of £3,000+VAT. Cinema 1 day hire (08:30-17:00) is £6,100+VAT and evening hire (17:30-23:00) is £5,100+VAT, both with £5,000+VAT minimum catering spend. Frobisher Triple Room day hire (08:30-17:00) is £3,200+VAT with £1,500+VAT minimum catering spend, plus £950+VAT overnight hold fee.

What are the capacity limits for different event setups in the main Arts spaces?

Cinema 1 has a total capacity of 280 in raked auditorium seating. Garden Room & Conservatory accommodates 220 banquet, 180 dinner/dance, 450 reception, 180 seated buffet, or 350 fork buffet. Frobisher Triple Room holds 170 theatre style, 100 classroom, 32 boardroom, 96 cabaret, 175 reception, 150 fork buffet, or 108 seated buffet.

What AV equipment and technical support is included with each space?

Cinema 1 includes a 34000lms 4K DLP cinema projector, screen, PA system, 3 cabled microphones, Wi-Fi, full house lighting system, and dedicated technician for sound and lighting. Frobisher rooms include LCD projector 8000lms with WUXGA resolution, screen, and Wi-Fi. Additional equipment available includes PA system & microphone for £111+VAT and 55" LCD screens for £175+VAT.

What are the standard operating hours and setup requirements?

Day hire runs 08:30-17:00 and evening hire 17:30-00:00 or 17:30-23:00 depending on space. Tenancy times include setup and de-rig - allow 1.5 hours for setup and 30 minutes for de-rig. Additional hours beyond standard times can be arranged by speaking with your sales contact.

How far in advance must invoices be paid before events?

All invoices must be paid prior to the event going ahead. The venue requires signed contracts and advance payment as confirmed in their booking correspondence, though specific payment deadlines vary by booking.

Are there any restrictions on dates or availability I should know about?

The venue frequently has large conference groups that block availability for multiple days (such as 8th-10th September bookings mentioned). Popular spaces like Cinema 1 and Auditorium 1 with 220 capacity book up quickly. It's recommended to have flexible dates when enquiring as fixed dates may not be available.

What catering options are available and who provides the service?

In-house catering is provided by Searcys with professional kitchen facilities available. Halal catering is available upon request. The venue can create original menus and tailor decor to bring themed ideas to life through their banqueting team.

What makes the Conservatory space unique for events?

The Conservatory is a tropical oasis in the heart of the city, home to exotic fish and over 1,500 species of tropical plants and trees. It currently hosts a spectacular site-specific commission by Indian sculptor Ranjani Shettar, making it one of London's most unusual event venues.

Can I get floor plans and virtual tours of the spaces before booking?

Yes, detailed floor plans are available for download including Conservatory, Garden Room, and Frobisher Rooms layouts. Video walk-throughs are available on YouTube for most spaces, and the venue can arrange site visits for decision-making purposes.

What happens if my preferred date isn't available?

If your requested date is unavailable, the venue's account managers will work to find alternative dates or suggest alternative venues. They maintain a policy of helping clients find suitable alternatives even when the Barbican Centre cannot accommodate the booking.