Hotels near Tate Modern, England

The Tate Modern is the third most visited attraction in England, according to the most recent stats from Visit Britain. But you can understand why. It’s got a permanent collection that’s free to visit as well as blockbuster exhibitions that can enthral or provoke visitors.

Overview

Location: The Tate Modern is on Bankside, beside the Thames. It’s accessible by the Millennium Bridge and walkable from St Paul’s Cathedral. Blackfriars station is close by.

History: The gallery opened in 2000 to great acclaim in the converted Bankside Power Station. It has had a couple of major rehangs of its permanent collection to showcase work in different ways.

What’s unique?: The monumental turbine hall 35 metres high and 152 metres long typically showcases a stunning installation. The building’s former oil tanks now provide space for live art: performance, dance, film and discussion. 56+ galleries house the permanent collection and paying exhibitions and events run during the year. You can even take a boat along the Thames from Tate Modern to Tate Britain.

Visitor highlights: The permanent collection includes Henri Matisse’s Snail and Picasso’s Weeping Woman. More contemporary art in the collection includes work by Tracey Emin, Jenny Saville, Patrick Caulfield and Peter Doig. 2025 will see it celebrating its first quarter century with a new trail of 25 key works including Mark Rothko’s Seagram murals and surrealist Dorothea Tanning’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik along with a host of recent additions to Tate’s collection.

Activities and Experiences

Guided tours: Discovery tours run every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 11.30–12.30. It’s a good idea to book as they can sell out. There are also tours by the exhibition curators from time to time. Check dates on the Tate’s website.

Exhibits and displays: The permanent collection isn’t chronologically or geographically divided. Instead, it’s themed by ideas into Artist and Society, In the studio, Materials and objects, Performer and participant and Media networks to allow visitors to make connections and put works of art in conversation with others. Check out the exhibition schedule too.

Events and programmes: Tate Modern runs a series of events including performances, workshops and talks. Some activities are particularly aimed at engaging children and families particularly in school holidays. There are also 10 minute talks that happen in the gallery spaces. These are free to join and change daily. Look out for signs of what’s on.

Interactive Experiences: The Tate offers some opportunities for drawing using digital sketch pads. Also check out the Tate’s guide to slow looking to help you get more out of looking at art.

Visitor Information

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10.00–18.00 with occasional late nights. Check the Tate lates page for details.

Admission fees: Entry to the permanent collection is free. Exhibitions are around £15-£25 with concessions available.

Accessibility: Tate Modern aims to be accessible for visitors with many different needs. You can book accessible car parking, a motor scooter or wheelchair. Large print guides and communication cards are available with coloured overlays and magnifiers available. All entrances are accessible with a baby buggy.

Safety tips: Tate has a bag search on entry.

Need to know: Bags and items larger than cabin bag size (55cm x 40cm x 20cm) are not permitted in the building.

Is it on show? Like most art galleries, the Tate lends works of art to other museums and galleries around the world. It also has more paintings than it has wallspace for. If you want to see a particular artwork, check in advance with the Tate to see if it will be on display at the time of your visit if you are travelling long distances.