Tate Modern

Overview

Tate Modern is London's popular, industrial gallery of international modern and contemporary art, housed inside the massive former Bankside Power Station directly on the River Thames.

Highlights

• The Turbine Hall: The breathtakingly massive 155-metre-long main entrance ramp that brilliantly hosts monumental, awe-inspiring temporary art installations.
• The Collections: A deep permanent collection featuring iconic works by Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, and Rothko, completely free to view.
• The Blavatnik Building: The spectacular twisted extension massively increasing experimental gallery space and featuring a brilliant open-air viewing terrace.

History

The brutalist power station originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott was famously facing demolition until the Tate stepped in. After a spectacular conversion by Herzog & de Meuron, it opened in 2000 to explosive international acclaim.

Visitor Tips

• The Terraces: Head directly to the top floor of the Blavatnik Building for breathtaking, free panoramic views directly across the river toward St. Paul's Cathedral.
• Lates: Visit solidly on the popular late-opening Fridays when the massive halls are brilliantly atmospheric and wonderfully less packed with school groups.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.