Glamourous Barbican & Neighbours

When completed in 1929 the Barbican was, for a brief moment, the tallest building in South Africa. At the time, Johannesburg was known as ’New York on the Highveld” and visitors flocked to the city to marvel at the miracle of modernisation sweeping across the city. And the staggering 11 floor skyscraper at the corner of Rissik and President Streets was the poster child for progress; the epitome of all things glitzy, glamorous and American!

Join expert guide Brian McKechnie for a special all-access tour of the still beautiful Barbican, including a trip to the 11th floor penthouse. Along the way, we’ll peek into Bridge Books on the Ground Floor and hear about the brilliant work the Literary District is doing in the city.

We’ll also see the renovations currently underway to reimagine this city icon, hear about the building’s new owner, and learn what’s on the cards for its future. The tour will also include a short walk outside to visit some of the Barbican’s impressive neighbours, including the Johannesburg City Hall and the old Rissik Street Post Office.

Plus our special guest, South African photo historian Carol Hardijzer, will give a talk on early Johannesburg portrait photographer Sara Buijskes (1886-1970) who had her studio in the Barbican penthouse.

The Barbican is located on the corner of Helen Joseph and Rissik streets in the Joburg CBD. We recommend that you take an Uber as parking is limited.

Image: photograph by Sara Buijskes in de Nobrega, M. found photographs collection