Tate Modern, London
One of the world's premier collections of contemporary art and a must see
How can any visit to London be complete without a visit south of the River Thames, to Tate Modern?
What is Tate Modern? Tate Modern is an exuberant display of contemporary and modern art from all corners of the world.
Top Attractions at Tate Modern
1. Turbine Hall Installations
2. Blavatnik Building
3. The Start Display
4. Tower of Babel
5. Top of the Tower
6. The Fountain
7. Media Networks
8. The Tanks
All About Tate Modern, London
KIDS FRIENDLY?
Age 5+
HOURS
Daily 10 am to 6 pm (last admission 5 pm)
Closed 24, 25 & 26 December
LOCATION
Bankside, London SE1 9TG
WHAT'S THERE
Displays of modern art and installations, from all corners of the globe, with a distinctly modern and contemporary feel
UNDERGROUND
Blackfriars (Circle, District). Cross Blackfriars Bridge and turn left.
Southwark (Jubilee)
BUS
Blackfriars Bridge Road, Southwark Street, and Southwark Bridge Road
TRAIN
Blackfriars (300m)
Cannon Street (1,000m)
London Bridge (1,000m)
RIVER BUS
A boat service connects Tate Modern at Bankside Pier and Tate Britain at Millbank Pier. RB2 runs around every 30 minutes.
VISIT TIME
Allow two hours or more
ENTRY COST*
Entry to Tate Modern is free, except for special events and exhibitions
FEATURED ACTIVITIES
There are temporary exhibitors during the year, some of which have an entry fee.
GUIDED TOURS
Visual and written guides are available. There are free guided tours, three times a day, lasting for around 45 minutes.
QUEUE JUMPING
Entry is free with no advance booking, so just take a chance.
WHEELCHAIRS
There are flat routes into Tate Modern from the parking area.
FACILITIES
Two eating areas. Toilets
ADVANCE TICKETS
Admission is free to the galleries. For special exhibitions at Tate Modern, book here.
Is It Just a Bit of Modern Art Splashed on a Canvas?
In some ways, yes, but Tate Modern of far more than that, it is one of Britain’s top tourist destinations.
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the galleries are airy and home to a significant collection of modern art.
You’ll discover work from artists as diverse as Pollock, Dali, and Picasso.
Displays change on a regular basis, so there is always something new to see.
Begin at The Start Display, which is an introduction to the collection and a guide on what t see and where in the complex.
There are seven levels in the Natalie Bell Building, with eleven to be found in the Blavatnik Building extension. Check the viewing point on level 11 of Blavatnik.
The Tower of Babel is a curious collection of old and modern radios, tuned to different frequencies and stations, forming part of the Media Network exhibit.
For children, well, when they see some of the modern art on show, they’ll either have done something similar or when you are home, will be adding their own modern art to their bedroom walls.
Close to Tate Modern, is the Millenium Bridge, which is a great place to watch passing boats on the Thames.
Enthuse their minds when you arrive, they will love exploring and discovering. There is an ‘Interactive Zone’ on level five. A children’s audio tour includes puzzles and a quiz.
Panorama pictures from the Blavatnik Building, at the viewpoint on level 11.
The Kitchen & Bar is on level six and the Expresso Bar on level three, both in the Natalie Bell Building. There are two gift shops.
Designated wheelchair-accessible toilet. Wheelchairs or walkers can be borrowed, subject to availability. Assistance dogs are welcome.
How to get to Tate Modern, London
Tate Modern is south of the River Thames. Blackfriars underground on the north bank connects by bridge and is a grew minutes walk. The closest underground station in the south is Southwark.