Tate Modern

Tate Modern houses the United Kingdom’s national collection of international modern and contemporary art. 

It is located in the former Bankside Power Station, in the Bankside area of the London Borough of Southwark. 

Originally, the power station was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who also planned the Battersea Power Station. 

Located directly across the river from St. Paul’s Cathedral, it was built in two stages, between 1947 and 1963, but closed in 1981. 

Prior to redevelopment, the power station was a long, steel framed, brick clad building with a central, 99 metres tall chimney. 

For many years, it was at risk of being demolished by developers. Many people campaigned for it to be saved, and in 1994, the Tate Gallery announced that Bankside would be the home of the new Tate Modern. 

After a competition, it was decided that Herzog & de Meuron were the winning architects. The most obvious external change was the two-story glass extension on one half of the roof. Much of the original internal structure remained, including the cavernous main turbine hall. 

The museum has later expanded, in order to acquire more space. 

Three circular, underground tanks have been turned into display spaces and facilities areas. A ten-story tower was built above the oil tanks. 

The original western half of the Switch House (currently named Blavatnik Building) was demolished to make room for the tower. 

Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. There is no admission charge for access to the collection displays (which take up the majority of the gallery space). 

The main collection is thematically organised. 

Many prominent artists have exhibited commissions in the Turbine Hall, including Louise Bourgeois, Anish Kapoor, Olafur Eliasson and Carsten Höller.

Tate Modern

London, UK