Tate Britain
About Tate Britain
The home of British art from 1500 to the present day on the Thames at Millbank, with the world's largest collection of works by J.M.W. Turner and free collection galleries.
History
Tate Britain opened in 1897 as the National Gallery of British Art, funded by sugar magnate Sir Henry Tate, who also donated his collection of Victorian paintings. It was built on the site of the former Millbank Penitentiary.
The gallery became known as the Tate Gallery and was renamed Tate Britain in 2000, when the international modern collection moved to Tate Modern. The Clore Gallery, opened in 1987, houses the Turner Bequest of paintings, watercolours and sketches.
What to Expect
Expect a calmer gallery than its Bankside sibling, with a walk through British art arranged chronologically. Don't miss the Turner rooms in the Clore Gallery and the Pre-Raphaelites, including Millais's Ophelia. The Tate Boat runs along the river between Tate Britain and Tate Modern, linking the two galleries.
Known For
Highlights
- Free collection displays
- Clore Gallery
- Duveen Galleries commissions
- Historic Rex Whistler room
- Riverside location
- Quieter than Tate Modern
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Tate Britain free?
- Yes, the collection displays at Tate Britain are free. Major temporary exhibitions require a paid ticket.
- What is Tate Britain famous for?
- Tate Britain holds the world's largest collection of works by J.M.W. Turner and is home to the annual Turner Prize exhibition in many years.
- What is the nearest station to Tate Britain?
- Pimlico station is about a 5 to 10-minute walk away. Vauxhall and Westminster are also within walking distance.
More London Museums & Galleries
British Museum
The world's first national public museum, holding around eight million objects spanning two million years of human history, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon sculptures.
Natural History Museum
A cathedral to the natural world in a stunning Victorian building, famous for Hope the blue whale skeleton, its dinosaur gallery and around 80 million specimens.
Tate Modern
Britain's national gallery of international modern and contemporary art, housed in a former power station on the South Bank with free collection displays and its vast Turbine Hall.