London’s Barbican Conservatory is giving away thousands of its houseplants before a three-year restoration project begins. The city’s second-largest conservatory after Kew Gardens will distribute species like monstera, ficus, and tradescantia to visitors starting this month.
The conservatory, which opened in 1984, needs major repairs to its aging infrastructure. Work will include re-waterproofing, sustainable system upgrades, and changes to improve growing conditions. Currently, only 30% of the space is fully accessible, but the renovation will introduce step-free routes, wider paths, and a new lift.
When it reopens in 2030, the conservatory will be open daily and free of charge, replacing its current limited schedule. The project is part of the Barbican Renewal Programme, designed by Harris Bugg Studio with Allies & Morrison, Asif Khan Studio, and environmental engineers Buro Happold.
The first giveaway event takes place on Wednesday, August 19, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., though free tickets have already sold out. More opportunities will follow on September 13 and December 2, with an additional event for Young Barbican members on November 29. Updates will be posted on the Barbican’s website and social media.
Wayward Plants, the organization handling the redistribution, has been propagating cuttings from the conservatory’s collection. “We’re creating a living legacy for the Conservatory while giving people across London the chance to care for a small piece of it,” said Heather Ring, the group’s co-founder.
Marta Lowcewicz, the conservatory’s head gardener, called the giveaway bittersweet. “I’ve worked here for sixteen years and nurtured many of these plants from seedlings. It means a lot that they’ll continue living in people’s homes.” She also described the challenges of maintaining a space not originally designed for plants and expressed optimism about the upcoming improvements.
For many Londoners, the chance to take home a piece of the conservatory offers more than just a free plant. It provides a rare opportunity to connect with a space that has long been a hidden gem in the city’s Brutalist architecture. The collection includes tropical species that have thrived for decades, and their relocation lets the public engage with the Barbican’s history before the doors close for renovation.
Those attending the adoption events will also see a preview of the renovation plans, including renderings of the redesigned interior. The goal is to balance the conservatory’s architectural heritage with modern horticultural needs, ensuring both plants and visitors have a healthier, more accessible environment.
The closure in 2027 will mark the start of a transformation.
For now, the focus remains on finding new homes for its leafy residents. The conservatory’s redesign aims to reflect how spaces can adapt to better serve their purpose while preserving their original character.
