The Barbican has unveiled a revamped Young Barbican membership scheme, expanding access to discounted tickets, exclusive events and creative opportunities for young people aged 16 to 29.
Free to join, the refreshed scheme places young audiences at the heart of the Barbican’s future plans, offering greater access to its programme of visual arts, music, cinema, theatre and dance, alongside opportunities to connect with other young people through specially curated events and social activities.
Among the new benefits are £6 cinema and gallery tickets, with members able to bring a friend aged 16 to 29 for the same price. Young Barbican members will also receive 10% off food and drink, 10% off purchases in the Barbican Shop and online, a digital membership card, and access to a year-round programme of exclusive events.
The relaunch also raises the upper age limit from 25 to 29, opening the scheme to thousands more young people and recognising the changing realities facing younger generations today.
Beau Vigushin, Chief Experience Officer, said: “Young people need affordable opportunities to connect, be inspired, express themselves and experience the world beyond their everyday lives. Young Barbican makes that possible, so more young people can discover what excites them, connect with others and be part of something special.”
The expanded programme introduces a new season of monthly events designed to bring young audiences together through art, creativity and conversation.
Highlights include a devising workshop with artist Seyi Adelekun, an exclusive Conservatory Sunday in partnership with Wayward Plants, film screenings curated by young programmers, intimate live music experiences and the return of the Young Barbican Takeover festival in March 2027.
Reena Kalsi, Lead Producer (Creative Collaboration & Learning), said: “ What’s exciting about the new era of Young Barbican is that it has been shaped by young voices from the start, primarily by a steering group of staff in the age range. They collectively expressed that young people need more than just affordable tickets (though that’s important too!): they want spaces to meet people, explore ideas, discover new artists and feel part of something bigger . Our Young Barbican scheme reshapes our Centre not just as a place to visit, but as a place that belongs to young people, where they can meet and make new friends, discover new experiences together, and can play a role in shaping the future of the Barbican.”
A new Young Barbican Recommends series will also offer discounted tickets to events selected by Barbican staff under 30, helping members discover events across the centre’s programme through regular recommendations and a dedicated weekly newsletter.
The relaunch has been developed in collaboration with young Barbican staff and forms the first step in a wider listening process that will engage young audiences, artists, creatives and local communities in shaping the organisation’s future.
Tickets for the monthly events go on sale from 14 September 2026, with prices starting at £6. Membership remains free to join.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
