There is so much to see and do in London that offers something for everyone while you are visiting. We recommend exploring the Tate Modern Museum, where you can see some of Britain’s best international and modern art.

The Tate Modern is one of the biggest Museums in the world. It offers a variety of exhibitions and art from the 1900s until the present day, a great way to see how art has evolved throughout the decades.

History and Evolution

The Tate Modern’s story is as fascinating as the art it houses. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, a striking example of industrial architecture, the museum opened its doors to the public in May 2000. Its transformation from a disused power station into a world-class cultural institution symbolizes London’s evolution as a global hub for art and creativity.

The brainchild of Sir Nicholas Serota, former Director of the Tate, and Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the Tate Modern was conceived to showcase modern and contemporary art in all its forms. The adaptive reuse of the power station not only preserved a piece of the city’s industrial heritage but also provided a dramatic backdrop for the avant-garde works it would soon house.

Architecture and Design

The architecture of the Tate Modern is an integral part of its identity, merging industrial grandeur with contemporary flair. The original power station, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, is characterized by its imposing brick façade and towering chimney stacks, which remind London’s industrial past.

The museum’s galleries are arranged over multiple levels, connected by sleek staircases and spacious atriums that encourage exploration and discovery. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the River Thames and the London skyline, blurring the boundaries between art and environment.

Favourite Tate Modern Exhibitions:

• The EY Exhibition: Picasso 1932: Love, Fame and Tragedy; Giving you a glimpse into the personal life of Picasso, his paintings, sculptures and more- It’s available to the public until 9 September 2018.
• The Shape of Light Exhibition: Explore the intertwined stories of photography and abstract art through the decades. It is available until 18 October 2018.
• Natalia Goncharova Exhibition: A unique opportunity to explore Natalia Goncharov’s beautiful art and life – Available until 8 September 2019

Exploring the Galleries

Venturing into Tate Modern is akin to embarking on a voyage of artistic discovery—the gallery’s expansive spaces house diverse artworks spanning various mediums, styles, and epochs. From avant-garde installations to classic masterpieces, there is something to enthral every visitor.

Upon entering the Turbine Hall, one is immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the space. This vast expanse serves as a dynamic platform for large-scale installations, inviting visitors to engage with art on an immersive level. Over the years, the Turbine Hall has played host to a succession of groundbreaking works by renowned artists, captivating audiences with ingenuity and spectacle.

As one delves deeper into the gallery’s labyrinthine corridors, myriad artistic treasures unfold. The collection encompasses works by seminal figures such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney, alongside emerging talents pushing the boundaries of creative expression. From abstract paintings to conceptual sculptures, each piece offers a unique perspective on the human experience, inviting viewers to ponder the mysteries of existence.

Highlights

Among the many treasures housed within Tate Modern, several iconic works stand out as must-see attractions for visitors:

• Picasso’s “Weeping Woman”: This powerful portrayal of anguish and despair is one of Picasso’s most celebrated works, offering a poignant glimpse into the artist’s exploration of human emotion.
• Dalí’s “Metamorphosis of Narcissus”: Surrealist master Salvador Dalí captivates viewers with this mesmerizing depiction of the Greek myth of Narcissus, inviting contemplation on themes of self-reflection and identity.
• Matisse’s “The Snail”: Henri Matisse’s bold use of colour and form takes centre stage in this vibrant masterpiece, exemplifying the artist’s innovative approach to composition and design.
• Rothko’s Seagram Murals: Mark Rothko’s monumental Seagram Murals command attention with their immersive fields of colour, inviting viewers to lose themselves in contemplation and introspection.
• Hirst’s “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living”: Damien Hirst’s provocative installation, featuring a preserved shark suspended in formaldehyde, challenges perceptions of mortality and the boundaries between art and science.

Turbine Hall

During your visit, you must check out the Turbine Hall, which hosts impressive works of contemporary art worldwide. You will see many large sculptures and installation art located here that change regularly. The way many artists have interpreted the space has changed how people think about contemporary art.

The Tate Modern was unsure what to do with this vast space, and then the idea came to allow artists to occupy it. The artists could make whatever they wanted and show off their art in a new, exciting way.

Louise Bourgeois was the first artist to have her commission ‘I Do, I Undo, I Redo’ appear in the Turbine Hall. Her contemporary art consisted of three steel towers (some 9 meters high) where visitors could climb the staircases of the platforms.

Another great exhibition in the Turbine Hall was by Sculpture Rachel Whiteread. For her piece, she used a variety of domestic objects to fill the room and allow the visitors to make up their minds about what she had created in an unexpected and thought-provoking way.

Tate Modern Resturant:

During your visit to the museum, you might wish to stop and enjoy some lovely British food at the restaurant. This restaurant offers you a fantastic dining location with a contemporary space. The types of food you could want here are traditional British dishes and a twist of European flavours and foods. The menu changes regularly to offer visitors something different and exciting. The head chef, Jon Atashroo, is very proud of his team, which continues to create unique dishes that people will forget quickly.

This restaurant bar also offers its guests an incredible wine list, which the Tate is known for with its variety of modern and wide range of wines. Not to be missed are the lovely views from St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Shard bar.

Alternatively, you can visit the Kitchen and Bar on level 6, a more family-friendly restaurant. Again, this restaurant offers some British favourites that we all enjoy. Here, you can check out a variety of menus, from a lunch menu to the dinner menu to the bar menu, to suit every mood you’re on and how hungry you are.

Is the Tate Modern London Free?

Like many other museums and galleries in the UK, one of the best things about this place is that it is entirely free! So, there is no reason not to check it out! Although you might have to pay for some exhibitions, we can tell you it will be worth it, so don’t let that put you off.

There is so much art to explore and appreciate, so make sure you’ve added it to your list of places to visit while in London. Look through our gallery below for the fantastic art on display in the museum. For better viewing, click on the image to enlarge it.

Engaging with the Community

Beyond its role as a cultural institution, Tate Modern serves as a hub for community engagement and artistic discourse. Through diverse outreach programs, workshops, and educational initiatives, the gallery seeks to foster a deeper connection between art and society.

From school visits to outreach programs for marginalized communities, Tate Modern is committed to making art accessible to all. The gallery aims to spark dialogue, foster creativity, and inspire positive social change by engaging with visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Through its outreach efforts, Tate Modern strives to be a place of artistic contemplation and a catalyst for meaningful interaction and collaboration.

Visitor Experience

A visit to the Tate Modern is not just an opportunity to view art; it is an immersive cultural experience that engages the senses and stimulates the intellect. Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by friendly staff and provided with maps and information to help navigate its vast galleries and exhibitions.

The Tate Modern offers a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience, including guided tours, audio guides, and interactive exhibits. Education programs cater to visitors of all ages and backgrounds, offering workshops, lectures, and family-friendly activities to foster creativity and critical thinking.

For those needing refreshment, the Tate Modern boasts a selection of dining options, from casual cafes to elegant restaurants, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink with views of the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The museum’s gift shop offers a curated selection of art books, prints, and souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of the Tate Modern home.

Beyond the Art

In addition to its world-class collection, Tate Modern offers many amenities and activities to enhance the visitor experience. The gallery’s shop boasts an extensive selection of art books, prints, and unique gifts, allowing visitors to take home a piece of their Tate Modern experience. Meanwhile, the on-site café and restaurant offer delectable fare amidst a stylish setting, providing the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge after exploring the galleries.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the art on display, Tate Modern offers guided tours, talks, and workshops led by knowledgeable staff and guest speakers. These engaging programs provide valuable insights into the artists, movements, and ideas shaping the world of contemporary art, making Tate Modern a hub of cultural enrichment and education.

Tate Modern Opening Times

The opening times for this museum are the following:

Sunday to Thursday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Friday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

If you would like to find out more, please visit their website.

Conclusion

Tate Modern stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation in the heart of London. From its humble origins as a power station to its current incarnation as a world-renowned gallery, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, transcending its industrial past to become a cultural icon.

Tate Modern continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide through its diverse collection, engaging exhibitions, and commitment to community outreach. Whether you’re a seasoned art connoisseur or a casual visitor, a journey through its hallowed halls will leave an indelible impression, igniting the imagination and nourishing the soul.

So, the next time you find yourself in London, visit Tate Modern and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of contemporary art. You never know what wonders await around the next corner, ready to surprise, delight, and challenge your perceptions of the world around you.

We would love to hear about your experiences at this museum. Do you plan on visiting? Be sure you let us know

Be sure to let us know and check out some other popular London attractions – Kensington Gardens, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hay’s Galleria, Shreks Adventure Shop, Albert Memorial, Buckingham Palace, Natural History Museum, National Gallery of London.