Tate Modern is Britain's national gallery of modern and contemporary art, housed in the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames. Entry to Tate Modern's collection displays is free, the building itself is half the experience, and the riverside setting opposite St Paul's Cathedral makes it an easy stop on any walk along the South Bank.
Why go to Tate Modern
The gallery opened in 2000 inside a brick power station designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect behind the red telephone box. The old generator room became the Turbine Hall, a vast space used for large commissioned installations that change roughly once a year. Around it, the galleries hold work from the early twentieth century to today: painting, sculpture, photography, film and performance from artists across the world.
You do not need to know much about modern art to enjoy it. The displays are arranged by theme rather than strict date, which makes it easy to wander and stop at whatever catches your eye. The free collection rooms change over time, so even repeat visitors usually find something new.
Getting to Tate Modern by Tube
The nearest Tube station on most maps is Southwark on the Jubilee line. From there it is a walk of roughly ten to fifteen minutes north towards the river, and signs point the way. A popular alternative is Blackfriars on the District and Circle lines: the station spans the river, and the south exit leaves you a short walk east along the riverside.
Coming from the City or St Paul's, the simplest route is on foot across the Millennium Bridge, which lands almost at the gallery's river entrance. St Paul's station on the Central line is a short walk from the north end of the bridge.
- Pay with contactless or an Oyster card. Daily fare caps apply, which helps on a sightseeing day.
- London Bridge station is also within walking distance along the river if you are combining Tate Modern with Borough Market.
Tate Modern tickets and opening hours
The collection displays are free, with no ticket needed for general entry. Major temporary exhibitions are paid, and booking a timed slot in advance is a good idea for popular shows. Tate members get into exhibitions free. Prices, current exhibitions and opening hours, including any late openings, are listed on the official website, tate.org.uk.
Bags go through a quick check at the entrance, and large luggage is not accepted, so plan accordingly if you are heading to or from a train.
What to see at Tate Modern
The Turbine Hall
Enter from the west side down the long ramp to feel the full scale of the hall. Whatever installation is showing, it is free to see and often interactive.
The Natalie Bell and Blavatnik buildings
The gallery spreads over two linked buildings. The original Natalie Bell Building holds most of the collection displays, while the twisting brick Blavatnik Building, opened in 2016, adds more galleries and spaces for live art and installations.
The viewing level
The upper level of the Blavatnik Building has an outdoor terrace with wide views over the river, St Paul's and the City. Access arrangements have changed in the past, so check on the day whether it is open.
The Tanks
Down in the basement, the old oil tanks of the power station are used for film, performance and installations. They are easy to miss and worth finding.
Best time to visit and how long
Weekday mornings are the quietest. Weekend afternoons and school holidays get busy, especially in the Turbine Hall. If a late opening is running, an evening visit is a relaxed way to see the galleries with fewer people.
Give the free collection about two hours. Add another hour or so for a paid exhibition, and some time on the terrace or in one of the cafés. The whole visit fits easily into a half day alongside a walk along the river.
Nearby on the same stop
Southwark and Blackfriars put you on one of the best stretches of the Thames for walking:
- Shakespeare's Globe: the reconstructed open-air theatre is a couple of minutes east along the river.
- Millennium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral: cross the footbridge for the cathedral and its dome.
- Borough Market: a ten to fifteen minute walk east for lunch from the food stalls.
- The Southbank Centre: follow the river west towards Waterloo for concert halls, bookstalls and the London Eye.
For more around this station, open Tate Modern on Around the Metro or browse the London Tube map to plan the rest of your day.