Monstera Magic: Barbican Distributes Cuttings as Its 'Green Lung' Closes for Renovation

Ahead of a major renovation, the Barbican in London has been giving away plant cuttings from its renowned conservatory. On Wednesday, some five hundred people turned up to find new homes for the vegetation of this emblematic greenhouse, located on the third and fourth floors of the arts centre. The suspended garden, often described as the city's 'green lung', is set to undergo a complete overhaul, with reopening scheduled for 2030.

Among the plants up for adoption were waxy monsteras and bright pink hibiscus flowers, which had been under threat from falling glass: a giant net had been installed to protect visitors from the skylight panes, weakened over time. The building, which houses one of Europe's most significant tropical plant collections, requires deep structural intervention.

This gesture of generosity turned a technical closure into a convivial, participatory event. New owners were able to adopt sometimes rare specimens from the conservatory's collection, which will not be kept in place during the works. The Barbican, opened in 1982, is known for its brutalist architecture and multidisciplinary cultural programme; its conservatory is one of the most beloved public spaces.

Beyond the symbolic aspect, this initiative reflects the desire of cultural institutions to maintain a connection with their audiences during long closures. The renovation aims to strengthen safety and improve the visitor experience, while preserving one of the capital's botanical treasures. Plant lovers will nevertheless have to wait until the beginning of the next decade to rediscover this unique place.

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Written by the ADM desk based on The Guardian — Art. Read the original article for the full story.