Opened in 1982, this is one of the greatest and largest art complexes in Europe. No longer the exclusive West End venue for the Royal Shakespeare Company, though it still hosts many RSC performances, the theater has filled its schedule with successful drama, musical theater, and dance, among other presentations. The 2,000-seat main auditorium features excellent sightlines throughout thanks to its raked stage. The Pit is a studio where new plays are performed. Of course, the Royal Shakespeare Company continues to present plays here, written by the Bard and others, but no longer uses the Barbican as its resident theater. Other facilities at the complex include two art galleries with changing exhibitions; a trio of cinemas; an array of bars, cafes, and restaurants; and most significantly, a grand concert hall with great acoustics that's home to the London Symphony Orchestra.