The Tate Modern at Bankside, part of the Tate Group, is Britain's national gallery for modern art. The galleries are housed within the former Bankside Power Station, which was originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the architect of the iconic Battersea Power Station.

It's a huely popular attraction, but whether it furthers the cause of modern art, is not as easy to measure as visitor numbers. A recent review cites the high quality artwork being at odds with the bland structure it's housed in. Which couldn't be further from personal experience. To me, the vast majority of people love the building and have limited affection for the art displayed inside it. No matter - visit the gallery and make up your own mind within its vibrant and busy atmosphere.

The Turbine Hall (main atrium), which once housed the electricity generators of the old power station, is seven storeys high with 3,400 square metres of floorspace. It is used to display large specially-commissioned works by contemporary artists, between October and March each year in a series sponsored by Unilever. This series was planned to last the gallery's first five years, but the popularity of the series has led to its extension until at least 2012.

The gallery is accessible via the Millennium footbridge from the North bank of the Thames. It's possible to visit St. Paul's and then take a stroll across the river to Bankside and the other attractions dotted along the Thames Walk (South).

A boat service operates between the Tate Britain at Millbank and Tate Modern at Bankside - the 'Tate to Tate' catamaran, which seats 220 and runs every 40 minutes. The spotty exterior and interiors were commissions by Turner Prize winner, Damien Hirst.


Open daily 10.00-18.00, Friday & Saturday til 22.00.

Bankside, London, SE1 9TG

Call:    020 7887 8888