Turner Contemporary
A striking contemporary art gallery on Margate's seafront, showcasing J.M.W. Turner and leading modern artists. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art focus
Turner Contemporary
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking contemporary art gallery on Margate's seafront, showcasing J.M.W. Turner and leading modern artists. Free entry!
"It’s absolutely amazing to me as an experience. Each room of the gallery is managed and arranged nicely."
🎯 Free Entry, Big Savings!
Admission is free, so you can enjoy incredible art without spending a penny.
🌊 Seaside Views Included
Enjoy stunning sea views from the gallery, a perfect backdrop to your art exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
J.M.W. Turner's Seascapes
Featured Exhibitions
Experience the dramatic, emotive seascapes that inspired the gallery's name and its namesake artist.
Antony Gormley's 'Another Time'
Outside Gallery
A solitary figure braving the tides, this iconic sculpture offers a contemplative seaside experience.
Temporary Exhibitions
Gallery Spaces
Discover cutting-edge contemporary art from renowned and emerging artists, always presented with flair.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
Margate's Coastal Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Big Savings!
Admission is free, so you can enjoy incredible art without spending a penny.
🌊 Seaside Views Included
Enjoy stunning sea views from the gallery, a perfect backdrop to your art exploration.
🎨 Check Current Exhibitions
Exhibitions change, so see what's on before you visit to make the most of your trip.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Often features activities and displays for children, making it a great family outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Big Savings!
Admission is free, so you can enjoy incredible art without spending a penny.
🌊 Seaside Views Included
Enjoy stunning sea views from the gallery, a perfect backdrop to your art exploration.
🎨 Check Current Exhibitions
Exhibitions change, so see what's on before you visit to make the most of your trip.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Fun
Often features activities and displays for children, making it a great family outing.
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop
Grab a coffee or browse unique souvenirs in the well-stocked shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Turner Contemporary for its free admission, stunning seaside location, and high-quality, engaging exhibitions. The modern architecture and family-friendly atmosphere are also frequently highlighted as positives. Some visitors have noted that specific exhibitions might feature only a limited number of works by J.M.W. Turner himself, which can be unexpected for some.
"Dropped by Turner Contemporary during a day trip beach day to Margate and really enjoyed it. It’s free, super clean, and well looked after. I only had a quick wander before closing but it was still a really nice visit. Being right by the water is an added bonus. Worth checking out if you’re in Margate!"
SJ
"It’s absolutely amazing to me as in experience. Each room of the gallery is managed and arranged nicely according to the growth of time. Each picture captured not the objects but also (in my opinion) the emotions of the people in specific, and the changes of the periods in general.
Can’t believe it’s closed not long after my visit but hopefully it can be opened again soon. And please do donation if you’re happy, this place deserves it."
Cam Cam
"I am always excited to see what's going to be on display next. The presentation is always top class with such attention to details. My daughter and I are frequent visitors."
Nicole George-St.Louis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turner Contemporary is easily accessible by train from London St Pancras International to Margate station, followed by a short walk to the gallery. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby.
Yes, the gallery is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts and ramps available throughout.
Opening hours vary depending on the season and exhibitions. It's best to check the official Turner Contemporary website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, pushchairs are welcome at Turner Contemporary. There are also facilities for baby changing.
There are several car parks within walking distance of the gallery in Margate. Some may have charges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to Turner Contemporary is free! Special exhibitions may sometimes have a charge, so it's worth checking their website.
While general admission is free and doesn't require booking, it's advisable to check the website for any special exhibitions that might require advance booking.
General admission to Turner Contemporary is free for all visitors.
As admission is free, there are no discounts or concessions needed for entry.
Turner Contemporary welcomes group visits. It's recommended to contact them in advance to arrange your visit and discuss any specific needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a mix of works by J.M.W. Turner and a diverse range of contemporary artists, with frequently changing exhibitions.
Yes, the gallery often has family-friendly activities, workshops, and interactive displays designed for younger visitors.
Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's best to check specific exhibition guidelines as some may have restrictions.
The gallery offers a cafe, gift shop, toilets, and often spaces for events and workshops.
Information on guided tours or talks may be available, especially for specific exhibitions. Check the Turner Contemporary website for details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Turner Contemporary has a cafe that offers refreshments, light meals, and snacks with lovely sea views.
The cafe typically serves a range of options including sandwiches, salads, cakes, and hot drinks, often with locally sourced ingredients.
Margate has a vibrant food scene with many restaurants, cafes, and pubs located a short walk from the gallery.
Generally, outside food and drink are not permitted inside the gallery spaces, but you can usually consume them in designated areas or outside.
The cafe usually offers options for various dietary needs, but it's always a good idea to ask staff for specific information.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture, the sea views from inside, and Antony Gormley's sculpture outside are all fantastic photo opportunities.
Tripods are generally not allowed inside the gallery to avoid obstructing other visitors. Check specific exhibition rules.
While personal photography is usually allowed, commercial photography or flash photography might be restricted. Always check signage.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for both interior and exterior shots, especially with the sea as a backdrop.
The dramatic seascapes by J.M.W. Turner and any large-scale installations, like Gormley's sculpture, are highly photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for family trails, art-making sessions, and interactive displays that make art accessible and fun for all ages. The seaside location also means you can easily combine a gallery visit with beach play, making for a perfect family day in Margate.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts on a Budget
This makes it an ideal spot for art students, budget travelers, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy great art without the expense. You can revisit exhibitions multiple times or explore different shows without worrying about ticket prices.
🚶 Day-Trippers from London
Once you arrive, the gallery is a short walk from the station. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the exhibitions and enjoying the seaside views before heading back to the city, making it a refreshing escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of J.M.W. Turner
+1Visitors often express surprise and delight at seeing Turner's original works, appreciating the historical context they provide for the contemporary art displayed. The gallery's location in Margate, a place Turner himself frequented and painted, adds another layer of significance to these displays. It's a chance to see where his inspiration truly bloomed.
Experiencing Turner's art here isn't just about viewing paintings; it's about understanding the legacy that underpins modern and contemporary artistic expression. The gallery masterfully bridges the gap between historical genius and current artistic dialogue.
Contemporary Art and Exhibitions
From photography and sculpture to painting and mixed media, the range of artistic practices featured is extensive. Visitors frequently praise the high quality of the presentations and the thought-provoking nature of the exhibitions. The gallery's commitment to making contemporary art accessible and engaging for a broad audience is evident in its thoughtful curation and presentation.
Keep an eye on their schedule, as exhibitions change regularly, offering new perspectives and artistic discoveries with each visit. Whether it's a solo show by a renowned artist or a group exhibition exploring a specific theme, Turner Contemporary consistently delivers compelling artistic experiences.
Architectural Marvel and Seaside Setting
The gallery's position on the seafront means that visitors can easily combine a cultural visit with a traditional seaside experience. The juxtaposition of modern architecture against the historic Margate coastline creates a unique and memorable setting. Antony Gormley's sculpture, 'Another Time,' standing sentinel on the beach, further enhances this dialogue between art, architecture, and the environment.
This integration with the coastal landscape is a key part of the Turner Contemporary experience. It provides a sense of openness and connection to the elements, making a visit feel both inspiring and refreshing. The building is designed to maximize natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere for exploring the art.
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