What is it?
The Tate Modern is one of London - and the world’s most iconic art galleries. As well as having an international collection of modern and contemporary artworks that few can beat, it is a historic piece of architecture worth visiting in its own right. It’s hard to imagine how empty London’s modern art scene must have been before this place opened, but we’re sure glad it did. Tate Modern is one of four Tate venues in the UK, and it welcomes a stonking 5 million visitors through its doors each year.
The gallery opened in 2000, making use of the old Bankside Power Station. The imposing structure on the banks of the Thames was designed after WWII by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the same architect behind Battersea Power Station. It was converted by Herzog & de Meuron, who returned to oversee a massive extension project. This started with the opening of the Tanks in 2012, and ended with the brand-new Switch House extension in 2016.
The Tate Modern's permanent collection features work by art royalty including Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Barbara Hepworth.