Barbican Centre announces plant adoption and new furniture collection

The Barbican Centre is launching several initiatives ahead of a major three-year restoration of its Conservatory, scheduled to begin in early 2027. As part of the Barbican Renewal programme, the Conservatory will be emptied to allow for essential infrastructure upgrades, including new waterproofing, heating, glazing, and irrigation systems. To manage the collection, the center is partnering with Wayward Plants to offer more than 2,000 cuttings from its arid plant collection—including monstera, ficus, and tradescantia—to the public through adoption events on 19 August, 13 September, and 2 December.

In addition to the botanical initiative, the Barbican has collaborated with furniture brand MADE to release a new interior collection inspired by the building’s Brutalist architecture and 1960s history. The range includes lighting, accessories, and furniture such as coffee tables, sofas, and shelving.

The Conservatory restoration, involving architects Allies and Morrison and engineers Buro Happold, aims to improve accessibility and environmental efficiency. The space is expected to reopen daily by 2030 with widened paths, a new lift, and improved step-free access.