Summary
- History of the Tate Modern in London
- Our tips for a good visit to the Tate Modern
- - The best time to visit the Tate Modern
- - The duration of a visit
- - Visiting the Tate Modern with children
- - Some practical information
- What to do when you visit the Tate Modern in London?
- - The Artists Rooms
- How much is a ticket to the Tate Modern in London?
- How do I book a ticket for the Tate Modern online?
- Are there guided tours of the Tate Modern in London?
- Are there combined tours with other monuments in London?
- Opening hours of the Tate Modern in London
- How do I get to the Tate Modern?
- Where to park near the Tate Modern?
- Where to stay near the Tate Modern in London?
Are you planning a trip to London? Then don't miss visiting the Tate Modern, one of the most beautiful museums in the English capital!
Head to London, the cosmopolitan, eclectic and fascinating capital of England. The range of activities in the city is simply immense, and you won't get bored. To put it mildly... London now has over 240 museums, most of which are free.
Among them is a little nugget of modern and contemporary art: the Tate Modern. This former power station, located on the banks of the Thames, is now one of the city's most famous museums. Here you will discover the greatest works of art of the 20th and 21st century, arranged thematically on seven levels. Salvador Dali, Chris Marker, Picasso, Matisse... All the most prestigious artists of our time are represented here.
Interested in a ticket to the Tate Modern in London? Advice, prices, schedules... You will find in this article all the information you need to organize your visit. Follow us!
Also read: The 14 must-do things to do in London
History of the Tate Modern in London
It all began with the creation of the Tate Gallery, located in Millbank. At the time, Henry Tale, a collector of modern art, decided to open a museum to display contemporary works that the National Gallery did not accept.
Over the years, the Tate Gallery grew, exhibiting both ancient and contemporary works, but space was running out. Eventually, it was decided to separate the Tate Gallery and move the modern collection to a new location: the Tate Modern. The Tate Gallery was renamed Tate Britain, and dedicated to the art of the United Kingdom.
The Tate Modern was then housed in a former disused power station in Bankside, central London. In 2000, two Swiss architects, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, rehabilitated the site, which was to become the city's national museum of modern and contemporary art. The former engine room, converted into a huge hall, now hosts many exceptional exhibitions.
In 2016, the Tate Modern will see the birth of an extension: the Switch House or "twisted house". It is in fact a ten-storey tower with an absolutely futuristic shape.
Our tips for a good visit to the Tate Modern
Time is precious, and the capital is full of activities! To help you organize your visit and make the most of your time once you have your Tate Modern ticket, here are a few tips.
The best time to visit the Tate Modern
Like most museums or cultural activities in general, the best way to avoid the world is to visit during the week. The morning is also a good time to take the tour in the afternoon, especially if you're visiting on a weekend. Similarly, to access the panoramic floor, there is likely to be a queue during peak hours. It is best to do this at the beginning of the visit, in the morning, to avoid it.
The duration of a visit
The Tate Modern is huge, there's a lot to see. If you want to take full advantage of it, and take the time to reflect on some of the works, we recommend that you plan a day. If you don't have much time in front of you, go to the museum's website beforehand to select in advance the pieces you are interested in seeing first.
Visiting the Tate Modern with children
A programme for families has been specially developed at the Tate Modern. The aim? To make the visit pleasant and fun for children. It is even possible to prepare this visit in advance on the museum site, thanks to a dedicated area.
Some practical information
- The Tate Modern is accessible to people with reduced mobility and the visually impaired. Parking spaces, lifts, maps and magnifying glasses: find all the necessary information on the museum's website.
- A free cloakroom is at your disposal on level 0 of the Natalie Bell building.
What to do when you visit the Tate Modern in London?
To visit the Tate Modern is to walk through 7 floors where all sorts of contemporary creations from the 20th and 21st centuries are displayed. You will find all the modern artistic movements such as Fauvism, Pop Art, minimalist art and conceptual art. But also, all forms: paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, films, and even shows. With your ticket to the Tate Modern in your pocket, the adventure can begin!
The Permanent Collection
Note that the collections are arranged thematically, unlike most museums that arrange their collections chronologically.
- 2nd floor: Poetry and Dreams
- 3rd Floor: Transformed Visions
- 4th floor: Energy and processes
- 4th floor: Structure and reality
Tanks
When the museum was a power station, this area was used to store oil. Today it is a unique space, 30 metres wide and 7 metres high, entirely dedicated to creativity, performing arts and cinematic art.
The Turbine Hall
This is the space dedicated to sculptures. The structure of the room and the way the space is used is also a work in itself.
The panoramic floor
Situated on the top floor of the Switch House, this open panoramic terrace offers a 360° view of London. A bar is at your disposal, where you can take a break and enjoy a hot drink while enjoying the view!
L'Artists Rooms
The Artist Rooms is a symbolic and unmissable part of the museum, with a collection of more than 1600 works by 40 artists from all over the world. Aimed at a rather young public, this place aims to involve them in this particular creative field.
How much is a ticket to the Tate Modern in London?
Like most museums in London, admission to the Tate Modern is free.
Only certain exhibitions and special events are subject to a charge, and prices vary according to each event. The easiest way to find out the price of the exhibition you are interested in is to visit the Tate Modern website.
How do I book a ticket for the Tate Modern online?
Admission to the permanent collections is free, but you can easily book your ticket for the exhibition you are interested in on the official museum website.
Are there guided tours of the Tate Modern in London?
The museum does not offer guided tours. However, if you would like a detailed tour, we advise you to take an audioguide in French, available on level 1 (£11).
For those who would like to go further in the discovery of the Tate, there are guided tours (private or semi-private): accompanied by a historian guide, you will discover the history of the artists and their aspirations. In particular, you will be invited to discuss masterpieces and debate about a movement. A ticket to the Tate that takes you behind the scenes of the gallery and those who inspired it.
Are there combined tours with other London monuments?
Tickets for the Tate Modern are free, so there are no combination tickets with other monuments. However, if you have the London Pass, you can enjoy the free audio guide.
Opening hours of the Tate Modern in London
You can visit the Tate Modern on the following days and times:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 6pm
- Friday and Saturday: from 10 am to 10 pm.
Please note: the last admission is one hour before the gallery closes. The museum is also closed from 24 to 26 December.
How do I get to the Tate Modern?
To get to the Tate Modern, go to the following address: Bankside London SE1 9TG. The museum is easily accessible on foot or by public transport.
- By Tube: The nearest stop is Southwark (Jubilee line) which is about 600m away. The Blackfriars stop (District and Circle lines) is 800m away and St Paul's (Central line) is 1,100m away.
- By Bus: There are manybus lines that stop close to the museum, such as the 45, 63 and 100 that pass through Blackfriars Bridge Road. The RV1 and 381 lines run via Southwark Street and the 344 line runs via Southwark Bridge Road.
- By Boat: A unique way to get to the museum is by the TateBoat, which runs every 40 minutes along the Thames between the Tate Britain and Tate Modern.
Also read: Maps and detailed plans of London
Where do you park near the Tate Modern?
We strongly advise against attempting to drive to the Tate Modern. There is no (or very little, and very expensive) parking near the museum. However, for people with reduced mobility, twelve parking spaces are accessible from Park Street. You will need to remember to book them in advance with the museum.
Where to stay near the Tate Modern in London?
The Tate Modern is located in the modern and vibrant Southwark area, where it can be very convenient and friendly to stay. Both quiet and lively, Southwark is close to the city centre and will delight travellers looking for trendy places to stay. For more information, see our detailed article "Where to stay in London".
Now you know how to visit the Tate Modern, enjoy your stay in London!
