Not unlike the Lincoln Center in New York City, London’s Barbican Centre houses a collection of performance art venues, only the productions generally concern British art. The largest arts center in Europe, the Barbican Centre is home to the 1989-seat Barbican Hall - where the London Symphony Orchestra performs, the ornate Barbican Theatre – home to the Royal Shakespeare Company, and three cinemas. Also available is 8,000-square-feet of exhibition and meeting space. The Barbican Centre also features many other musical and theatrical productions. Backstage tours are available daily except on Sundays. The one-hour tours usually begin two hours before performances and cost around four pounds. For reservations, call 020. 7628. 3351 at least 24 hours in advance.

Riding the Tube? Your nearest stop is: Barbican

Admission:

Mon - Fri eves: £8 - £27

Sat Eves: £9 - £29

Sat Matinees: £7 - £25

Midweek Matinees: £5 - £20