Tate Modern is the UK's national gallery of modern and contemporary art, set inside the former Bankside Power Station on the south bank of the Thames and opened in 2000. Its free permanent collection spans 20th- and 21st-century masters such as Picasso, Matisse, Rothko and Warhol, making it one of the most visited modern art museums in the world. As of 2026 the collection remains free to enter, while major ticketed shows such as 'Frida: The Making of an Icon' (June 2026–January 2027) run alongside it. It pairs naturally with a riverside walk across the Millennium Bridge toward St Paul's Cathedral for an easy half-day.
The Turbine Hall: the cavernous former power-station hall that hosts a large-scale installation commission each year. Entry is free and the sheer scale is a sight in itself.
Free permanent collection: across the Natalie Bell and Blavatnik buildings you can see the Rothko Room, Matisse, Surrealism and Pop Art with no booking required.
Level 10 viewing space (Blavatnik Building): a viewing area and espresso bar with sweeping views of St Paul's and the London skyline, now reached by lift only, with photography restricted on some sides.
Millennium Bridge and the riverside: the footbridge in front of the gallery leads straight across to St Paul's Cathedral, a photogenic route and easy walking line.
Major exhibitions: 2026 highlights include 'Frida: The Making of an Icon', Tracey Emin and Julio Le Parc, though the ticketed line-up rotates, so check the latest.
Good to know
RulesThe permanent collection and Turbine Hall are free with no booking, but special shows like the Frida Kahlo exhibition need a separate paid ticket and sell out fast in peak season. Book ahead on the official site.
RulesThe Level 10 viewing space restricts photography toward the neighbouring NEO Bankside residences and is signposted accordingly. Levels 5–9 are currently closed, so use the lift straight to Level 10 for the view.
MannersDon't touch the artworks, no flash or tripods, and keep quiet in the galleries. Tipping in the cafés and shop is not expected.
CautionBuy exhibition tickets only from the official site (tate.org.uk). Ignore people around the riverside or Millennium Bridge who push clipboard 'petitions', donations or resold tickets.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets in the busy riverside, the Turbine Hall and on public transport. Wear bags in front and keep your phone and wallet out of outer pockets. Large luggage may not be allowed inside.
SeasonSummer (June–August) is busiest with the longest exhibition queues. London sees rain year-round, so bring an umbrella; in winter daylight is short, so visit the viewing level earlier. Friday and Saturday late opening until 21.00 is usually quieter.
Practical info
By Underground, it is about a 10-minute walk from Southwark (Jubilee line), or cross the Millennium Bridge from St Paul's (Central line); Blackfriars station and the Tate-to-Tate boat (to Tate Britain) are also options. Opening hours are Sunday–Thursday 10.00–18.00 and Friday–Saturday 10.00–21.00 (last entry 30 minutes before close); the permanent collection is free and special exhibitions are ticketed. Prices, hours and shows change, so confirm the latest on the official site before visiting.
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