Tate Modern

A colossal former power station on Bankside turned into the world's most visited modern art museum — free permanent collection, Rothko room, Turbine Hall installations, and river views from the terraces. Even people who 'don't get' modern art enjoy the building. Blockbuster exhibitions (Frida Kahlo in 2026, £25) are the only paid part.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-sees at Tate Modern?

The Rothko Seagram murals in their own dim room, Monet's Water-Lilies, Picasso and Dalí in the collection displays, and whatever's in the Turbine Hall. Grab a free map — the collection is hung thematically, not chronologically, which confuses first-timers.

Tate Modern or Tate Britain?

Tate Modern for international modern and contemporary art; Tate Britain (up the river at Millbank) for Turner, the Pre-Raphaelites and 500 years of British art, with far smaller crowds. The Uber Boat river bus connects the two docks directly if you fancy doing both.

Where should I eat near Tate Modern?

Borough Market is a 10-minute walk east along the river for some of London's best food stalls — go before 3pm when traders wind down. The Tate's own top-floor restaurant and kitchen levels are decent but you're paying partly for the view.

How do I get to Tate Modern from St Paul's?

Walk straight across the Millennium Bridge — it lines up St Paul's behind you and Tate Modern ahead, and takes five minutes. It's one of the best free 'moments' in London and the way I'd always tell a friend to arrive.

What are Tate Modern's opening hours?

Sunday to Thursday 10am-6pm, Friday and Saturday until 9pm. Closed 24-26 December. The weekend late nights are the best-kept non-secret in London museum-going.

What is the Turbine Hall?

The vast entrance hall where the power station's turbines once stood — each year an artist gets commissioned to fill it with one huge installation, always free. Even between commissions, the sheer scale of the space is worth walking into.

Is the Tate Modern viewing platform still open?

The Blavatnik Building's top-floor viewing level has had restricted access in recent years following a dispute with neighbouring flats — but the free river-facing terraces and the bar and restaurant levels still give great views of St Paul's across the Thames. Check on the day for current access.

Is Tate Modern free?

Yes — the entire permanent collection across both buildings is free and you can walk in without booking. Only the big temporary exhibitions are ticketed, like Frida Kahlo (June 2026 to January 2027) at £25 adult, £5 for 16-25s in Tate Collective.

Nearby in Ask London

• The BlackfriarBar0.58 km · 7 min walk
• Borough MarketMarket0.63 km · 8 min walk
• St Paul's CathedralAttraction0.69 km · 9 min walk
• Host CaféCafé0.72 km · 9 min walk
• Ye Olde Cheshire CheeseBar0.92 km · 11 min walk