Tate Modern
Iconic modern art gallery in a former power station, offering world-class collections and stunning London views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Tate Modern
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic modern art gallery in a former power station, offering world-class collections and stunning London views.
"A must-visit for art lovers and anyone seeking breathtaking cityscapes."
🎯 Book Special Exhibitions Early
Popular ticketed exhibits like Kusama's sell out fast. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the vast galleries.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turbine Hall
Ground Floor
A colossal industrial space hosting monumental, site-specific installations that change regularly.
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Rooms
Level 3
Immersive rooms creating illusions of endless space with lights and reflections. A truly unique experience.
Rothko Room
Level 2, Room 2
A serene space dedicated to Mark Rothko's powerful, contemplative murals, best enjoyed in quiet moments.
Viewing Level
Level 10
Panoramic views of the London skyline, including St. Paul's Cathedral and the River Thames.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Free Art, Paid Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Special Exhibitions Early
Popular ticketed exhibits like Kusama's sell out fast. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the vast galleries.
⏰ Go During 'Lates'
Tate Modern often has late openings on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a different vibe and fewer crowds.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the incredible city views from the viewing level – perfect for photos!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Special Exhibitions Early
Popular ticketed exhibits like Kusama's sell out fast. Book online in advance to guarantee your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the vast galleries.
⏰ Go During 'Lates'
Tate Modern often has late openings on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a different vibe and fewer crowds.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the incredible city views from the viewing level – perfect for photos!
💡 Check for Free Displays
While special exhibits cost, the main collection and Turbine Hall installations are free to explore.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tate Modern is widely praised for its impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, stunning architecture, and panoramic city views. Visitors love the free admission to the permanent collection and the dynamic Turbine Hall installations. However, some find special exhibitions to be expensive and crowded, and the abstract nature of some art can be polarizing.
"The place is a bit big but it's possible to go through all exhibits in one day. Most exhibits were interesting, while a few were not to my taste. There's also a nice garden to enjoy a good picnic on a sunny day."
Priscila Maciel
"I went early in the morning with a reservation, and it was already very crowded. The other famous contemporary art exhibitions were also great, but my main purpose was to see Do Ho Suh’s exhibition. Even though I had to pay an additional admission fee, it was absolutely worth it. It had been a while since I enjoyed such a wonderful exhibition that truly enriched both my eyes and my heart"
오현경
"Large range of art and interesting exhibitions, which are paid entry. Nice cafes and restaurants-not cheap but lovely food. Good range of products, including books, in the shops. If you like Art you should visit."
Jessica Austin-Burdett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tate Modern is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Blackfriars (Circle, District lines), Southwark (Jubilee line), and London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines). Numerous bus routes also stop nearby. Many visitors enjoy walking across the Millennium Bridge for a scenic approach.
Yes, Tate Modern is located on the South Bank, a vibrant cultural hub. It's within walking distance of Shakespeare's Globe, the Tate Modern viewing platform, and the Millennium Bridge, offering great views of St. Paul's Cathedral.
Driving is not recommended due to congestion and limited parking. The nearest car parks are often expensive. Public transport is the most convenient way to reach the gallery.
Yes, there are bicycle racks available near the main entrance for visitors who choose to cycle.
Many visitors love approaching via the Millennium Bridge, offering stunning views of St. Paul's Cathedral and the Thames. It's a picturesque walk that sets the stage for the art.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to Tate Modern's permanent collection is free. However, special exhibitions and immersive installations, such as Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms, require a paid ticket. 
Ticket prices for special exhibitions vary. It's best to check the official Tate Modern website for current pricing and to book your tickets in advance, as popular shows can sell out quickly.
Tate Modern is typically open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, it often stays open later, until 10 pm, for 'lates'. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
No, you do not need to book tickets for the free permanent collection. You can walk in and explore at your own pace.
For special exhibitions, it's highly recommended to book online in advance. While some tickets might be available on the day, they are often limited and may sell out.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Turbine Hall for its large-scale installations, the Rothko Room for its contemplative murals, and the Viewing Level for panoramic city views. Special exhibitions, like Yayoi Kusama's, are also highly popular.
Yes, Tate Modern offers a range of activities and spaces that can engage children, including interactive displays and family trails. The vast Turbine Hall is often a hit with younger visitors.
You could easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the permanent collections and special exhibitions. If you're just focusing on a few key areas or the views, 1-2 hours might suffice.
Tate Modern offers free guided tours of the permanent collection at various times. Check the gallery's information desk or website for schedules.
The gallery provides restrooms, cloakrooms, cafes, a restaurant, a shop, and accessible facilities throughout the building.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Tate Modern has a restaurant on Level 6 with stunning views of the London skyline and a cafe on Level 1, offering lighter bites and refreshments.
The restaurant offers modern British cuisine with seasonal ingredients. It's a great spot for a meal with a view, though it can be pricier.
Picnics are generally not permitted inside the galleries. However, there are designated areas outside or you can enjoy the cafe and restaurant facilities.
The cafe offers more casual and affordable options like sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. For cheaper eats, explore the surrounding South Bank area or Borough Market.
Yes, the restaurant on Level 6 also functions as a bar, offering drinks with panoramic views. The cafe also serves a range of beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the permanent collection and public areas for personal use, but without flash. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions, so always check signage.
No, flash photography is strictly prohibited in all areas of Tate Modern to protect the artworks and ensure a good viewing experience for others.
The Viewing Level offers iconic shots of the London skyline. The Turbine Hall, with its massive installations, and the unique architecture of the building itself are also great photo opportunities.
Photography rules for special exhibitions vary. Often, photography is not allowed at all, or only in specific sections. Look for signs or ask gallery staff.
Tripods and selfie sticks are generally not permitted inside Tate Modern to avoid obstructing other visitors and artworks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some contemporary art can be abstract, many pieces spark curiosity. The Viewing Level also provides exciting city views that kids often enjoy. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid the busiest times, making the experience more comfortable for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
While special exhibitions have a fee, you can still enjoy the impressive Turbine Hall installations and the spectacular free views from the Viewing Level. For affordable food options, grab a coffee and pastry from the cafe or explore the nearby South Bank for diverse street food and market stalls.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Consider booking special exhibitions in advance to catch the latest significant shows. For a more profound experience, try visiting during the 'lates' or early mornings to appreciate the art in a quieter setting, allowing for deeper contemplation.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Collection: Beyond the Hype
Many visitors find solace and profound connection in the quieter galleries. For instance, the Rothko Room (Level 2, Room 2) is a space for contemplation, where the artist's large, immersive murals invite deep reflection. Redditors often mention the power of experiencing these works when the museum is less crowded, highlighting the importance of timing your visit.
Beyond paintings and sculptures, Tate Modern is renowned for its ambitious installations in the Turbine Hall. This vast industrial space, formerly part of the power station, regularly hosts monumental works that transform the entire area. These site-specific pieces are often a highlight for many visitors, offering a dramatic and unforgettable artistic experience.
The Architecture of Tate Modern
The building itself offers unique perspectives. The Turbine Hall, a cavernous space that once housed a 130-meter-long turbine, is now a central artery for the museum, connecting different galleries and hosting large-scale commissions. Its sheer scale is awe-inspiring and often serves as a meeting point for visitors.
Don't forget to ascend to the Viewing Level on Level 10. This offers not only breathtaking panoramic views of London's skyline, including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Shard, but also a chance to appreciate the building's structure from above. It's a fantastic spot for photography and to get a sense of the gallery's place within the city.
Immersive Experiences: Yayoi Kusama and Beyond
+1These ticketed events are incredibly popular and often require booking well in advance. The limited capacity and timed entry mean that securing tickets is crucial if you want to experience them. Social media buzz, particularly on TikTok and Instagram, often highlights these installations, driving significant interest.
+1While Kusama's rooms are a major draw, Tate Modern consistently features other engaging installations and exhibitions that play with space, light, and audience interaction. Keep an eye on their 'What's On' section for current and upcoming events that promise to be equally captivating and offer a different dimension to your gallery visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit