30 years of the Barbican centre - in pictures

An early view of the the bomb-damaged site that was to become the centre's location. Photograph: Barbican

Original architect's proposal for Barbican's Silk Street entrance. Photograph: Barbican

Henry Wrong, director of the centre from 1970 to 1990, surveys the site in the early 1970s. Photograph: Barbican

Inside a 1970s flat on the Barbican estate. Photograph: Barbican

Henry Wrong introduces Anthony Camden (r) of the London Symphony Orchestra to the Queen during the centre's opening night, March 1982. Photograph: Barbican

Mac the sheepdog displays his rounding-up talents in the grounds of the Barbican centre during a presentation ceremony for Farmers Weekly's Spot-the-Dog competition, March 1982.
Photograph: Mike Stephens / Getty Images

Glass acoustics in the hall before its renovation in 2001. Photograph: Barbican

The foyer, showing seating designed by Robin Day, and Michel Santry's sculpture suspended from a skylight. Photograph: Barbican

The Barbican's towers are landmarks on the city’s skyline.
Photograph: Graeme Robertson for the Guardian