Barbican Conservatory Restoration: Free Plant Cuttings Offered Before 2027 Closure

London's Barbican Conservatory, a brutalist winter garden housing over 800 plant species, is set to undergo a major restoration that will close it to the public from January 2027. As part of the preparation, the Barbican Centre is organizing free plant cutting adoption events, allowing visitors to take home a piece of the iconic greenhouse. The first event, held on August 19, 2026, sold out, but two more are scheduled for September 13 and December 2, 2026, each with 40 slots per time slot. An additional event for young members is planned for November 29. The cuttings are propagated by Wayward Plants, a design and placemaking studio, at their Reuse Centre. The restoration is part of a £231 million renewal plan for the entire Barbican complex, set to continue until 2030. The Conservatory, opened in 1982, has deteriorated significantly over the past four decades. The renovation will include re-waterproofing, re-glazing, and improving accessibility with new ramps, an elevator, and stairs, aiming to make the greenhouse fully accessible and open daily by 2030. Currently, only about 30% of the space is fully accessible. The project also aims to protect the theater beneath the garden. Marta Lowcewicz, head of the botanical garden, expressed enthusiasm for creating a better environment for the plants and making them accessible to a wider audience. Many plants will be replanted, donated to community projects, or used for propagation.