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Piano, Gehry, Foster in race for London's new Barbican concert hall

architecture-design · 2026-05-05

Six architecture firms, including Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, and Norman Foster, have been shortlisted to design a new concert hall at the Barbican Centre in London. This venue will replace the Museum of London, which is relocating to Smithfield Market, and will serve as the home of the London Symphony Orchestra. The project is estimated to cost £278 million and will include educational facilities such as a training school. Despite the UK government withdrawing £5.5 million in funding, the City of London Corporation is committed to securing the necessary finances. Critics have raised concerns about potential delays akin to those experienced by Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Key facts

  • Six architecture firms shortlisted for Barbican concert hall design: Frank Gehry, Renzo Piano, Amanda Levete, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Norman Foster, Snøhetta.
  • New hall will replace Museum of London site; museum moving to Smithfield Market.
  • Venue will be home to London Symphony Orchestra.
  • Project cost: £278 million.
  • Includes training school and masterclass spaces.
  • UK government withdrew £5.5 million contribution; City of London Corporation committed to finding remaining funds.
  • Catherine McGuinness described project as 'one of the most anticipated and significant developments in Square Mile.'
  • Critics suggest funds could be used for venues in Gateshead, Birmingham, Edinburgh.
  • Potential delays compared to Elbphilharmonie Hamburg (opened Jan 2017, 7 years late, €798 million).

Entities

Artists

  • Frank Gehry
  • Renzo Piano
  • Amanda Levete
  • Norman Foster
  • Niccolò Lucarelli

Institutions

  • Barbican Centre
  • London Symphony Orchestra
  • Museum of London
  • Smithfield Market
  • City of London Corporation
  • The Guardian
  • V&A Museum
  • MAAT Lisbon
  • High Line
  • Hudson Yards
  • Elbphilharmonie
  • Herzog & de Meuron
  • Artribune

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Bilbao
  • Spain
  • Lisbon
  • Portugal
  • New York
  • United States
  • Gateshead
  • Birmingham
  • Edinburgh
  • Hamburg
  • Germany
  • Square Mile

Sources