The studio visited the Rain Room at the Barbican. It’s an art installation piece by Random International and its well worth a visit if you’re in London

You’ve might have heard of the Rain Room. It’s an art installation piece by Random International at the Barbican and its well worth a visit if you’re in London. It’s free, which is great, but it means that there’s generally a 2 hour queue to get in. We ONLY waited 1 hour and 40 mins…

The wait could be improved by selling food and drinks to the queue and for the late night opening (Thursdays), they should set up a cocktail bar like the one at the V&A!

The installation is approached around a corner via a dark walkway, which builds up the expectation before you are hit with a bright light and the sound of the falling rain.

You’re allowed into the rain in small groups and slowly walk forward towards the wall of falling water. As you do, sensors detect where you are and stop the flow of water directly above you.

The first steps are the best and most enjoyable part of the installation as you have to put complete trust in the system.

Ok, so you do get a little bit wet and ok, you do have to wait forever to get in but even so it’s still well worth a visit, if only for that magical first step into the downpour.

Rain Room @ The Barbican 4 October 2012 - 3 March 2013. Admission Free