Both the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra are based in the Concert Hall of the Barbican Centre, a performing arts centre within the Barbican Estate in the City of London. Along with the Southbank Centre, it is known for its brutalist architecture, and the building, designed by Chamberlin, Powell and Bon, is Grade II listed.
The programme spans classical and contemporary music, theatre, film screenings and art exhibitions. The Royal Shakespeare Company, which left in 2001, returned in 2013 and once again uses the centre as its London venue. Beyond the stages and galleries, the centre houses a library, three restaurants and a conservatory, which makes it suited to visitors interested in architecture as much as in concerts, plays or art.
The City of London built the centre as its gift to the nation at a cost of £161 million. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened it to the public on 3 March 1982.
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