The Tate Modern is a modern and contemporary art gallery in Bankside, London. The museum occupies a former power station on the south bank of the River Thames and houses the United Kingdom’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art from 1900 to the present day.
This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for the Tate Modern.
Quick Facts: Tate Modern
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Bankside, London SE1 9TG |
| Opening hours | Sunday–Thursday: 10.00–18.00 | Friday–Saturday: 10.00–21.00 |
| Entry to collection | Free (no booking required) |
| Exhibition tickets | From £20 (concessions available) |
| Nearest Tube | Southwark (600m), Blackfriars (800m), St Paul’s (1,100m) |
| Nearest Train | Blackfriars (300m south exit) |
| Typical visit duration | 2–4 hours |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible, step-free entrance |
Opening hours and ticket prices checked and updated in January 2026.
Tate Modern opening hours
The Tate Modern is open:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10.00–18.00
- Friday and Saturday: 10.00–21.00
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
The gallery is open on bank holidays. The Tate Modern closes on 24, 25 and 26 December and is open on 1 January.
Tate Modern ticket prices
Entry to the permanent collection is free for all visitors. No booking is required.
Exhibition tickets must be purchased for special temporary exhibitions. Current prices are:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | £20 |
| Concession (disabled visitors) | Concessionary rate |
| Companion (for disabled visitors) | Free |
| Tate Collective (ages 16–25) | £5 |
| Family child (ages 12–18) | £5 |
| Children (under 12) | Free (up to 4 per adult) |
| Tate Members | Free (no booking required) |
Booking in advance is recommended for exhibitions, though some tickets may be available at the door.
How to get to Tate Modern
By Tube
- Southwark (Jubilee Line): 600 metres
- Blackfriars (District and Circle Lines): 800 metres
- St Paul’s (Central Line): 1,100 metres
By Train
- Blackfriars: 300 metres from south exit, 800 metres from north exit
- Cannon Street: 1,000 metres
- London Bridge: 1,100 metres
- Waterloo: 1,280 metres
By Bus
- Routes 40, 63, 100: Stop on Blackfriars Bridge Road
- Route 381: Stops on Southwark Street
- Route 344: Stops on Southwark Bridge Road
Check Transport for London before travelling for any service changes.
By River
The RB2 Thames Clipper service runs between Tate Britain (Millbank Pier) and Tate Modern (Bankside Pier) every 30 minutes.
By Bicycle
Cycle hire docking stations are located at:
- New Globe Walk (320 metres)
- Sumner Street (320 metres)
- Southwark Street (480 metres)
Bike parking is available on Holland Street (160 metres), New Globe Walk (320 metres) and Sumner Street (320 metres).
By Taxi
A drop-off and pick-up point is located on Holland Street, just outside the main entrance.
By Coach
A drop-off and pick-up point is situated on Southwark Street, a short walk from the main entrance.
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Parking at the Tate Modern
There are no parking facilities at the Tate Modern or in the surrounding streets. Public transport is the recommended way to reach the gallery.
Accessible parking is available for disabled visitors. Twelve parking spaces can be booked at least 24 hours in advance by:
- Emailing [email protected]
- Calling +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (option 1, daily 10.00–17.00)
You must provide your name, contact details, vehicle registration number, date and time of visit. Accessible parking is accessed via Park Street.
How Long to Spend at the Tate Modern
Most visitors spend 2–4 hours at the Tate Modern. The time needed depends on your interest level and whether you visit temporary exhibitions.
- Quick visit (1–2 hours): See highlights in the permanent collection
- Standard visit (2–3 hours): Explore the main collection galleries
- Extended visit (3–4 hours): Include one or more ticketed exhibitions
- Full day (4+ hours): See multiple exhibitions and use the restaurants
The permanent collection is spread across multiple floors. The gallery is large enough to warrant several hours but compact enough to see key works in a shorter visit.
Accessibility at the Tate Modern
Tate Modern is fully accessible with step-free access throughout.
Entrances
All entrances are step-free. Entry is via:
- The Turbine Hall ramp
- The Blavatnik Building from Park Street
Accessible toilets
Fully accessible toilets are located on every floor. A Changing Places toilet is available on Level 0 of the Natalie Bell Building (RADAR key required, available from ticket desks).
Lifts
- Four lifts in the Natalie Bell Building
- Eight lifts in the Blavatnik Building
- Two RADAR key-operated lifts between South Entrance (Level 1) and Turbine Hall (Level 0)
Wheelchair and mobility scooter hire
Wheelchairs and walkers are available to borrow on arrival (subject to availability) or can be booked in advance. Mobility scooters must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
To book, email [email protected] or call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (option 1, daily 10.00–17.00).
Assistance dogs
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs are welcome. Drinking bowls are available at the Turbine Hall entrance.
Sensory needs
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from ticket desks
- Quiet rooms are available on Level 4 and Level 2 of the Natalie Bell Building
- Communication cards can be downloaded from the Tate website or requested from staff
Some artworks feature loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects or strobe lighting.
Additional support
- Large print guides are available for all exhibitions
- Magnifiers and coloured overlays are available at exhibition entrances
- Hearing loops are fitted at ticket desks
- Touch tours can be booked by calling 020 7887 8888
A visual story is available on the Tate website to help plan your visit.
What to see at the Tate Modern
The permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations by artists including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí and Jenny Holzer. Works date from the early 1900s to the present day.
The Turbine Hall is the gallery’s most distinctive space. This five-storey hall, once the power station’s turbine chamber, hosts large-scale commissioned installations.
The Tanks are located underground in the Blavatnik Building. These spaces are dedicated to live performances, installations and video works.
Current displays are organised thematically across Levels 2, 3 and 4, including Performer and Participant, Materials and Objects, and Media Networks.
Temporary exhibitions change throughout the year. Recent exhibitions have included Nigerian Modernism, Theatre Picasso, and Emily Kam Kngwarray.
Practical tips for visiting the Tate Modern
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrive early to avoid queues | Security queues can be long, especially on weekends and during busy periods. Arriving close to opening time (10.00) on weekdays reduces waiting time. |
| Allow time for security checks | All bags are checked on arrival. Large bags may not be permitted inside. |
| Use the lockers | Lockers are available on Level 0 of the Blavatnik Building. Prices: Standard £4 (£2 Members), Large £6 (£3 Members), Jumbo £8 (£4 Members). Lockers do not accept cash. |
| Plan your route | The gallery has two main buildings (Natalie Bell and Blavatnik). Download the map in advance or collect one on arrival. |
| Visit on Friday or Saturday evenings | The gallery is open until 21.00 on Fridays and Saturdays, which can be quieter than daytime. |
| Check exhibition schedules | Some temporary exhibitions require separate tickets. Book in advance to guarantee entry. |
| Use the Level 6 Restaurant | The restaurant on Level 6 of the Natalie Bell Building offers views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Thames. |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the Tate Modern suitable for children? | Yes. Entry to the collection is free and the gallery offers family-friendly displays. Children under 12 go free to exhibitions (up to four per adult). A baby care room is located on Level 0. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | No booking is required for the free collection. Booking is recommended for temporary exhibitions, though some tickets may be available at the door. |
| Is the Tate Modern open on Sundays? | Yes. The Tate Modern is open Sunday to Thursday from 10.00–18.00. |
| Are bags allowed? | Yes, but all bags are checked on arrival. Large bags may not be permitted. Consider using the paid lockers. |
| Can you take photographs? | Photography is permitted in the free collection galleries (no flash). Some temporary exhibitions may have restrictions. |
| Is there a café or restaurant? | Yes. There are three food and drink venues: the Espresso Bar (Level 3), the Restaurant (Level 6), and the Terrace Café (Level 1). |
| How do I get from Tate Britain to Tate Modern? | The RB2 Thames Clipper boat service runs between Tate Britain (Millbank Pier) and Tate Modern (Bankside Pier) every 30 minutes. |
| Can Tate Members visit exhibitions for free? | Yes. Members enjoy unlimited free entry to all exhibitions with no need to book (except for special high-demand exhibitions which may require a free Members ticket). |
Things to do near the Tate Modern
Within 5–10 Minutes’ Walk
- Shakespeare’s Globe (300 metres): Reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse
- Millennium Bridge (200 metres): Pedestrian bridge to St Paul’s Cathedral
- Borough Market (800 metres): Historic food market
- Southbank Centre (1 kilometre): Arts complex with concert halls and galleries
- The Shard (1.2 kilometres): Viewing platform on London’s tallest building
Nearby museums and galleries
- Tate Britain (accessible via RB2 boat service): British art from 1500 to the present
- Bankside Gallery (400 metres): Exhibitions of watercolours and prints
The Tate Modern’s location on the South Bank makes it easy to combine with other attractions along the Thames Path such as the London Eye, London Dungeon and HMS Belfast. The Florence Nightingale Museum, Tower of London and London Transport Museum are also within reasonable walking distance.
More London travel
Other London travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical information for visiting the London Museum Docklands.
- A practical guide to visiting Eltham Palace.
- Essential information for visiting the Cutty Sark and Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
- A practical guide to visiting Kenwood House and the Freud Museum in Hampstead.
- A first time visitor’s guide to Kensington Palace.
