Tate Modern

Tate Modern - Bankside Power Station

Tate modern london

Tate Modern

Panoramic view from Tate Modern balcony

Tate Modern Switch House

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Tate Modern is a modern art gallery located in London, England. It is part of the Tate group, which includes Tate Britain, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. Tate Modern is housed in the former Bankside Power Station, which was originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and was converted into a gallery by the Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. The gallery opened to the public on 12 May 2000.

History

The Bankside Power Station was built in two phases between 1947 and 1963. It was decommissioned in 1981, and the building stood unused until the Tate Gallery announced its plans to convert it into a modern art museum in 1994. The conversion project was completed in 2000, and Tate Modern quickly became one of the most visited modern art galleries in the world.

Architecture

The building retains much of its original industrial character, including the massive central chimney. The conversion by Herzog & de Meuron added several new elements, including a two-story glass extension on the roof known as the "Lightbeam." The main entrance is through the Turbine Hall, a vast space that once housed the power station's generators. The Turbine Hall has been used for large-scale art installations by artists such as Ai Weiwei, Olafur Eliasson, and Kara Walker.

Collections

Tate Modern's collection includes works of international modern and contemporary art dating from 1900 to the present day. The collection is displayed in thematic galleries that are regularly reconfigured. Notable artists represented in the collection include Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko.

Exhibitions and Events

Tate Modern hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, performances, and events. These exhibitions often focus on specific artists, movements, or themes and are accompanied by a range of educational programs and activities. The gallery also hosts the annual Tate Modern Live series, which features live performances and installations.

Visitor Information

Tate Modern is located on the south bank of the River Thames, near the Millennium Bridge. The gallery is open daily, and admission to the permanent collection is free, although there may be charges for special exhibitions. The gallery also features a café, restaurant, and gift shop.

Related Pages

• Tate
• Tate Britain
• Tate Liverpool
• Tate St Ives
• Bankside Power Station
• Herzog & de Meuron
• Modern art
• Contemporary art

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