Tate Modern

The converted Bankside Power Station is home to London’s Tate Modern gallery. Opened in 2000, the Tate Modern is one of four in the series of Tate galleries. The gallery also enjoys enhanced post-industrial ambience from the building’s architectural design with elements incorporated from its previous iteration as a power station.

Within the exhibits of the Tate Modern itself features pieces dating back from 1900 to present day, dedicated to international art, both modern and contemporary. The gallery is divided among the second, third and fourth levels of the buildings, with each floor split into an East and West Wing. The main collection focuses on specific themes and subjects, such as Media Networks, Materials and Objects, Living Cities and more.

Visitors should visit the Tate Modern’s website to see what exciting new exhibitions they are showcasing; the gallery is known for securing some of the world’s best exhibits in modern art. For visitors seeking a tour of the Tate Modern, there are free guided highlight tours running at 11 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., daily. Alternatively, one can opt for the audio guides (which are available in five languages) for £4.

In 2016, an extension to the Tate Modern opened, adding more gallery space to the museum. Visitors should be sure to visit the top floor of the new extension (Switch House) which has an open viewing terrace, with spectacular 360-degree views of London’s skyline, featuring the Thames River, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and as far as Canary Wharf.

Visitors to the Tate should also take the time to cross the river and visit St. Paul’s Cathedral located nearby.

Admission to the Tate is free (except its special exhibitions where prices vary).