Tate Modern is Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art, housed inside the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames. Facing St Paul's Cathedral across the river and linked to the City by the Millennium Bridge, it is one of the most visited modern art galleries in the world. Entry to the permanent collection is free, which makes it an essential stop for any visitor with an interest in art, architecture or the changing character of London's riverside.
Why visit Tate Modern
Tate Modern offers free access to one of the world's great collections of modern and contemporary art, set within a dramatically converted power station beside the Thames. It pairs canonical twentieth-century works with bold new commissions, giving visitors both familiar masterpieces and the very latest in international art under one vast roof.
The building itself is part of the appeal. The architects Herzog and de Meuron preserved the industrial scale of the old structure while reinventing it as a gallery, and the result is a space that feels monumental yet welcoming. Beyond the art, the upper levels reward you with some of the finest free panoramas of the Thames, the City skyline and the dome of St Paul's directly opposite.
What to see at Tate Modern
The collection spans the early twentieth century to the present day, arranged across two connected buildings: the original Boiler House and the later Blavatnik Building extension. Highlights worth seeking out include:
- The Turbine Hall, the cathedral-like former generator hall that hosts large-scale, often free temporary commissions by leading contemporary artists.
- Free collection displays featuring works by Picasso, Matisse, Rothko, Dalí, Warhol and many other defining figures of modern art.
- The Rothko room, where a group of the artist's brooding Seagram murals are shown together in dimmed, contemplative surroundings.
- Rotating displays of surrealism, pop art, abstraction, photography and international contemporary practice.
- The viewing level of the Blavatnik Building, which offers free 360-degree views across London.
- Major ticketed exhibitions, which change throughout the year and bring together significant loans from collections worldwide.
How to visit
Tate Modern stands on Bankside in Southwark, on the south bank of the Thames between Blackfriars Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. The nearest Underground stations are Southwark on the Jubilee line and Blackfriars and Mansion House on the District and Circle lines, the latter two reached on foot across the river. London Bridge station, served by the Jubilee and Northern lines, is also within comfortable walking distance.
Entry to the permanent collection is free, while major temporary exhibitions are usually ticketed. Opening hours, exhibition tickets and any timed-entry requirements change from time to time, so check the official Tate website for current details before you travel. The gallery is large, so allow at least half a day if you want to take in both buildings at a relaxed pace, and consider arriving early or later in the day to avoid the busiest periods.
What's nearby
Bankside is one of London's richest stretches for sightseeing on foot. Shakespeare's Globe, the reconstructed Elizabethan theatre, sits just along the riverside walk, while Borough Market, one of the capital's most celebrated food markets, lies a short stroll east towards London Bridge. Cross the Millennium Bridge and you reach St Paul's Cathedral and the City of London. The Thames Path links the gallery to the South Bank cultural quarter and, in the other direction, to the historic lanes of Southwark.
Tate Modern FAQ
Is Tate Modern free to enter?
Yes. Entry to the permanent collection displays at Tate Modern is free, as it is at the other Tate galleries. Major temporary exhibitions are normally ticketed and charged separately. Because pricing and any booking requirements can change, it is worth checking the official Tate website for the latest information before your visit.
How long should I spend at Tate Modern?
Most visitors find half a day comfortable for the free collection across both buildings. If you plan to see a major exhibition as well, or want to linger over the Turbine Hall and the viewing levels, allow longer. The gallery is extensive, so it helps to pick a few highlights rather than trying to see everything in one visit.
What is the nearest Underground station to Tate Modern?
Southwark station on the Jubilee line is the closest Underground stop. Blackfriars and Mansion House, on the District and Circle lines, are also nearby and involve a short walk across the river. London Bridge, served by the Jubilee and Northern lines, is within walking distance too, making the gallery very easy to reach by Tube.
What can families and first-time visitors expect?
The free collection, the spectacular Turbine Hall and the open viewing levels make Tate Modern approachable for newcomers and families alike. There is no obligation to buy anything to enjoy a visit, and the riverside setting means you can easily combine art with a walk along the Thames. Facilities and family programmes are listed on the official website.
Plan your visit
For more of the capital's great collections, browse our guide to London museums and galleries. To build Tate Modern into a wider day out, see our ideas for things to do in London and explore the riverside districts in our overview of London neighbourhoods.
