As you’re probably well aware, we’re not exactly shy when it comes to bragging about how wonderful London is. I mean, can you blame us? One place that we particularly love raving about, however, is Tate Modern; the city’s leading art spot that just so happens to also be the one of the most popular modern art galleries in the world. Part of the Tate gallery family; Tate Modern sits on a prime spot in Bankside, holds a repository of important and influential modern art, and – best of all – it won’t cost you a single penny to enter. So, with all that going for it; planning a visit to the Tate Modern may seem pretty overwhelming. Well, fear not: as always, Secret London is here with the lowdown.
What is Tate Modern?
Housed inside the shell of the old Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is a relatively young art gallery compared to others in the city. After a £134 million glow-up, Tate Modern threw open its doors back in 2000, and now generates a whole different kind of electricity. Pulling in millions of visitors each year; Tate Modern is up there as one of the most-visited art galleries in the world – and it’s not hard to see why.
Unlike Tate Britain, which houses a permanent collection of historic British art; Tate Modern is all about the here and now. Everything you’ll find within the gallery is modern art, dating only as far back as 1900. Collections are split between the central Turbine Hall, the Natalie Bell Building, and the Blavatnik Building.
The oldest works are found in the Natalie Bell Building, whilst the Blavatnik Building – which only opened in 2016 – hosts art from 1960 onwards. Turbine Hall, which sits at the heart of Tate Modern, serves as the grand entrance and installation space for major art projects. Basically, wherever you turn in this place, you’re going to get a big old eyeful of art.
What should I see at Tate Modern?
Turbine Hall
If you’re approaching Tate Modern from the river (which you most likely are), the first thing you’ll want to do is head downstairs. The cavernous room which unfolds before you is known as Turbine Hall and it’s the centrepiece of Tate Modern. Once the housing for electricity generators; this five-storey tall space is now home to large-scale, specially commissioned art projects. Turbine Hall projects run from October to March, so keep your eyes peeled for a new Turbine Hall installation arriving later this year.
Also on the ground floor, and just off to the side of Turbine Hall, is a space known as The Tanks. Three huge oil tanks have now been repurposed to display live art, performances, and film and video work from the Tate collection. The industrial subterranean spaces are actually the world’s first museum galleries permanently dedicated to exhibiting this type of art.
The Natalie Bell Building
Displays in the Natalie Bell Building tend to highlight different artistic approaches from 1900 to present day. The ‘Start Display’ features some of the gallery’s best-loved artwork for you to peruse, whilst the ‘Artist and Society’ section explores how artist engage with social ideals and realities. Other sections to explore in the Natalie Bell Building are ‘In The Studio’, ‘Materials and Objects’ and ‘Media Networks’, plus a series of special exhibitions and displays.
The Blavatnik Building
Beyond the impressive artwork available for viewing in this part of Tate Modern (of which there is plenty), sitting on the tenth floor of the Blavatnik Building is the grandly titled Tate Modern Viewing Platform. It – quite frankly – does what it says on the tin: open air, and offering panoramic views across the city; the viewing platform is a pretty cool way to see London’s stunning skyline for free.
Exhibitions at Tate Modern
Given its reputation as a world-leading art gallery, there are lots of new and exciting art exhibitions popping up at Tate Modern throughout the year. Some are free to enter, whilst other have an entry fee – find out more about what’s currently happening at Tate Modern here.
Yoko Ono: Music Of The Mind
An exhibition featuring over half a century’s work by Yoko Ono has recently opened at Tate Modern, marking the largest-ever exhibition on her life in the UK to date. Sticking around until September 1, Yoko Ono: Music Of The Mind promises to be a multi-platform look at the work of the world-renowned artist. Visitors can expect to see more than 200 pieces, across the forms of artwork, music, films, photography, installations, her engagement with her audience, and much more.
Capturing The Moment
Another exhibition currently taking place at Tate Modern is Capturing The Moment. Having recently been extended until April 28, this exhibition explores the dynamic relationship between painting and photography through some of the most iconic artwork from recent times.
When should I visit Tate Modern
As with most of London’s tourist attractions, there’s no bad time to visit Tate Modern, must slightly busier times. If you’re looking for large-scale art projects, a visit between October and March (the months in which Turbine Hall hosts installations) would be best. Otherwise, keep an eye on the upcoming exhibitions to see what catches your fancy.
For a nice and different Tate Modern visit, head to the Tate Lates, which take place on the last Friday of every month. An enticing mix of art, music, workshops, films, and food, Tate Lates welcome emerging musicians, artists, and thinkers to deliver a thought-provoking evening out.
Anything else I should know before I go?
Food and drink at Tate Modern
Tate Modern has an in-house restaurant, a café and a late night bar; so they’ve got you covered on the refreshment side of things. Perched on Level 9 of the Blavatnik Building is the Tate Modern Restaurant, which serves up a seasonal menu (which celebrates British produce) and an award-winning wine list. As you’d expect, the views from this far up are pretty decent too, which is always a lovely side dish.
The Natalie Bell Building is home to the Espresso Bar; the perfect place to pause and relax with a cuppa, and there is also The Corner; a late night bar which boasts various art-inspired beers and a pretty exciting events programme.
Tate Modern is open daily from 10am-6pm. It is free to visit and the nearest stations are Southwark, Blackfriars and London Bridge. Find out more and plan your visit here.
📍 Bankside, London, SE1 9TG.