The Barbican Conservatory, a multi-storey glasshouse housing 800 plant species, is set to offer 2,000 free plant cuttings to the public. This initiative is part of a collaboration with the Wayward Plants Reuse Centre and precedes a significant restoration of the Grade II listed building.
The conservatory, originally opened in 1984, will close for three years starting in early 2027 to undergo a £231 million restoration. During this period, the public will have the opportunity to take home cuttings of plants such as Monstera, Ficus, and Tradescantia.
Plant adoption events are scheduled, with the first taking place on Wednesday. Additional events are planned for September 13 and December 2, requiring advance booking via the Barbican's website. Each event will also provide information on the conservatory's architectural history and the development of its plant collection.
Plans for the restoration include the installation of a new lift and staircase to grant public access to raised balconies. The conservatory will also be relandscaped to optimize plant-growing conditions, and the entire building will be made fully accessible. Additionally, the Barbican's distinctive brutalist foyers and lakeside terrace are slated for development to preserve the building's heritage.