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Tate Modern
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · GB

Tate Modern

Getting around: On the South Bank, a short walk from Southwark or Blackfriars underground stations, connected to St Paul's on the north bank via the Millennium Bridge footbridge.
Hours: Typically open daily 10am-6pm; free admission for the permanent collection, with major temporary exhibitions ticketed separately.

Tate Modern is Britain's national gallery of modern and contemporary art, housed in a converted former power station on the South Bank, its cavernous Turbine Hall used for large-scale installation commissions that have become a defining feature of the gallery's identity. The collection spans major 20th and 21st-century movements, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and beyond, with works by Picasso, Warhol, Rothko, and countless others.

The building's industrial scale, particularly the vast Turbine Hall, allows for ambitious temporary installations that wouldn't fit conventional gallery spaces, and the newer Blavatnik Building extension added further gallery space and a viewing level with panoramic city views. It's directly connected to St Paul's Cathedral across the river via the Millennium Bridge, making the two an easy pairing on a South Bank walk.

Free general admission; budget at least 2 hours, more for a thorough visit given the scale of the collection and building.

Tate Modern FAQs

Is Tate Modern free?

Yes, the permanent collection is free to view; major temporary exhibitions typically require a paid ticket.

What was Tate Modern's building originally?

A former power station (Bankside Power Station), converted into the gallery, with its vast Turbine Hall now used for large-scale art installations.

Is Tate Modern connected to St Paul's Cathedral?

Yes, the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian footbridge, connects Tate Modern on the South Bank directly to St Paul's Cathedral on the north bank.

How long does it take to visit Tate Modern?

At least 2 hours for a general visit; longer for a thorough exploration given the scale of the collection.

Does Tate Modern have viewing platforms?

Yes, the Blavatnik Building extension includes a viewing level with panoramic views over London, free to access.

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