The Barbican is finding homes for propagated cuttings before its Conservatory closes for major renewal work. The first adoption event on 19 August is already fully booked, but a larger free plant adoption day on Sunday 13 September is part of Open House Festival.

See the official listing and book when tickets open →

How the free plant adoption works

Book an Entry to Conservatory and plant adoption event ticket for your preferred two-hour session. Each session has up to 125 plants, and each visitor can receive no more than one. The cuttings vary and cannot be reserved, so a ticket does not guarantee a particular species—or a plant if that session’s stock has gone.

The plants are propagated cuttings rather than mature specimens. Bring them home carefully and ask the team about suitable light, water and care if instructions are available on the day.

Tours are booked separately

The Open House programme also includes short welcome tours and specialist tours with the head gardener, architects and landscape designers. A plant-adoption entry ticket does not automatically include these: reserve a separate tour ticket if you want one.

Useful questions

Can I just walk in?
Open House says walk-ups may be accommodated depending on capacity, but booking is the safer choice. Plant numbers are limited to 125 per session.
Is the plant guaranteed?
No. The official listing says plant adoption is while stocks last. There is also a maximum of one plant per visitor.
Is the August event still available?
No. The earlier event on Wednesday 19 August is already fully booked. This page focuses on the separately bookable Open House event on 13 September.
Is another event planned?
A further adoption date has been announced for 2 December 2026. Full booking information was not available when this page was checked, so we have not presented it as bookable yet.

Sources and last check

Details checked on 12 August 2026 using the official Open House Festival listing and the supplied IanVisits report. Booking availability and plant stock can change.