Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is the much-lauded national gallery of international modern art. It is just one in a family of four Tate galleries spread across London and the UK.

The Tate Modern came into being in 2000, it was decided in 1992 that the Tate Collection had outgrown its original home at Millbank and that a new home should be found for the modern component of the collection. After much debate a former power station situated on the Southbank directly across from St Paul's Cathedral was decided on and plans for the refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the building.

Finally a small Swiss architectural firm Herzog and De Meuron was chosen to complete the work; today the original turbine hall has become a dramatic entrance to the building often featuring large artworks, the boiler house now houses three separate galleries. Herzog and De Meuron also added a two-storey glass penthouse that offers stunning views of the river and city of London; a coloured light feature that can be seen for miles around at night caps the ninety-nine metre high chimney.

The Tate Modern's permanent collection is situated over two of the gallery's floors here you can immerse yourself in Surrealism, Cubism, Futurism and Minimalism. Highlights of the collection include works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Dali, Miro and Lichtenstein.

Adults and children are encouraged to find out more about modern art in the Tate Modern's Learning Zone. Located on Level 5, the Learning Zone educates through a range of games, film, multimedia interactivities and literature.

The Tate Modern often houses temporary and special exhibitions, always popular is the Unilever Series exhibition that is housed in the Turbine Hall; the Gallery also often runs family and children's activities. To find out more about the above please check out our Exhibitions and Family sections via our Home page.

The Tate Modern is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am till 6pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am till 10pm. The gallery is completely shut on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Find out more about the Tate Modern.

How to get there

By tube or train Blackfriars, Southwark or London Bridge are the nearest stations. If travelling by bus the 45, 63, 100, 344, 381 or the RV1 all serve the area.

Tate Modern Building © Tate Photography