Love it or loathe it, brutalism is having a moment. Those bold, blocky, unapologetically concrete structures once dismissed as dystopian eyesores are now Insta-famous, with architecture lovers flocking to them like pigeons to Trafalgar Square. And in a city like London, where every street corner has a story, some of these brutalist beauties have become cultural icons.
According to a new study by The Arch Company, London is home to some of the UK’s most breathtaking brutalist buildings, with The Barbican reigning supreme as the capital’s concrete king. But it’s not alone—several of London’s landmarks have made the list, proving that raw concrete can, in fact, be gorgeous.
The Barbican: London’s Brutalist Crown Jewel
Sitting at number one with a whopping 12,680 score, The Barbican is officially London’s most beautiful brutalist building. This sprawling cultural complex is a maze of elevated walkways, geometric gardens, and imposing concrete towers. Opened in 1982, it remains one of the UK’s greatest architectural achievements, bagging over 50 awards for design, including the RIBA International Award.
Once dismissed as a ‘concrete jungle,’ the Barbican is now one of the city’s most photogenic spots, with 113,000 Instagram hashtags to prove it. Whether you’re here for an exhibition, a theatre performance, or just to get lost in its many passageways, there’s no denying this is brutalism at its finest.
Hayward Gallery: Southbank’s Modernist Marvel
Coming in at number two with 10,750 points, Hayward Gallery is another brutalist icon, standing proudly at the Southbank Centre. First opened in 1968, this gallery has hosted some of the most cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions in the UK. Its distinctive board-marked concrete surfaces, interconnected staircases, and rooftop terraces make it a dream for architecture lovers.
Designed under the leadership of Norman Engleback, the Hayward Gallery is part of a larger brutalist ensemble that includes the National Theatre and the Queen Elizabeth Hall. If you’re looking for a masterclass in modernist design, this is the place to be.
The Brunswick Centre: Brutalism Meets Bloomsbury
At number three with 4,630 points, The Brunswick Centre is a hidden brutalist gem in the heart of Bloomsbury. Designed by Patrick Hodgkinson and opened in 1972, this multi-use complex is home to 500 flats, a cinema, and a mix of shops and restaurants.
Unlike some of its heavier brutalist counterparts, the Brunswick Centre’s tiered terraces and soft concrete tones make it feel almost… inviting? It’s a rare example of brutalism being both functional and community-driven, proving that concrete doesn’t always have to be cold.
Peckham Levels: The Coolest Car Park in London
In fourth place with 4,030 points, Peckham Levels proves that brutalism isn’t just about history—it’s about reinvention. What was once a drab multi-story car park is now a vibrant creative hub, filled with independent businesses, bars, and event spaces.
Located in the heart of Peckham, this structure embraces brutalism’s raw aesthetic while injecting it with new life. If you’re looking for rooftop drinks with a side of edgy architecture, this is your spot.
National Theatre: London’s Concrete Stage
Rounding out the London list with 3,750 points, the National Theatre is one of the city’s most recognisable brutalist structures. Designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, this 1970s masterpiece is often compared to a giant concrete cruise ship.
While its bold geometric forms and overhanging terraces have sparked debate for decades, there’s no denying its impact on London’s architectural landscape. Plus, if it’s good enough for a Netflix cameo in The Crown, it’s good enough for us.
Beyond London: The UK’s Brutalist Best
While London dominates the list, other UK cities have their own brutalist beauties:
The University of East Anglia (Norwich) – A true “megastructure” designed by Sir Denys Lasdun, scoring 5,410 points.
Trellick Tower (London) – A high-rise legend by Ernő Goldfinger, sitting at 3,740 points.
Park Hill (Sheffield) – Once controversial, now a Grade II-listed icon, scoring 1,840 points.
Preston Bus Station (Preston) – A love-it-or-hate-it structure with 1,610 points.
Brutalism: Ugly or Iconic?
Love it or hate it, brutalism isn’t going anywhere. Once criticised for being too cold, too imposing, too… grey, these buildings are now getting the recognition they deserve. They tell stories of post-war optimism, urban reinvention, and architectural boldness.
Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or just looking for your next artsy Instagram shot, London’s brutalist landmarks are well worth a visit. Grab a coffee, bring your camera, and admire the beauty of raw, unapologetic concrete.
