About Tate Modern
Britain's national museum of international modern and contemporary art, housed in the converted Bankside Power Station with the dramatic Turbine Hall as its centrepiece.
Founded in 2000, Tate Modern has been welcoming visitors for over 26 years. Today it draws approximately 4,700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in London, United Kingdom, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 59,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Tate Modern ranks #12
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #12, Tate Modern is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: AECOM Top 10, Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2–3 hours, planning your route through Tate Modern is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Turbine Hall commissions
- ◆Rothko's Seagram Murals
- ◆Matisse Cut-Outs
- ◆Picasso's Weeping Woman
- ◆Switch House viewing terrace
- ◆Free permanent collection
Recognition & awards
Tate Modern has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00. Free entry.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2–3 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Tate Modern is located in London, United Kingdom at coordinates 51.5076°N, -0.0994°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Tate Modern
Tate Modern was established in 2000, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in London. With 4,700,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in United Kingdom's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Europe region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like Tate Modern, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
- #50Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)Hobart, Australia
More museums in London
London is home to 15 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Tate Modern with these nearby institutions:
- #4British Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #14National Gallery🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #17Natural History Museum🦖 Natural History
- #41Victoria and Albert Museum🪑 Design & Decorative
- #42Science Museum🔬 Science & Industry
- #65Tate Britain🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #154Imperial War Museum London🏛️ History & Civilization
- #155Churchill War Rooms🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Tate Modern?
Daily 10:00–18:00. Free entry. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Tate Modern?
Most visitors recommend spending 2–3 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Tate Modern located?
Tate Modern is located in London, United Kingdom. The exact coordinates are 51.5076°, -0.0994°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Tate Modern known for?
Bankside power station turned global icon. Key highlights include Turbine Hall commissions, Rothko's Seagram Murals, Matisse Cut-Outs. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 59,000 reviews.
How many people visit Tate Modern each year?
Tate Modern receives approximately 4,700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in United Kingdom.
When was Tate Modern founded?
Tate Modern was founded in 2000, making it 26 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
