Tate Modern vs. Tate Britain: which to visit?

The Tate Modern and Tate Britain are both major collections in London’s artscape. Choosing between the two can be a tough decision when prioritising time in London. As an art historian and avid gallery-goer, I know both museums closely and I’m here to help you decide which museum to visit, and what to see once you get there.

Tate Modern industrial architecture

Tate Modern vs. Tate Britain

Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is housed in the former Bankside Power Station, situated on the south side of the Thames, just across from St. Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London. Its industrial location is fitting, as the Tate Modern houses one of the best collections of modern and contemporary art in the world.

Opening its doors in 2000, the Tate Modern celebrates art from the 1900s to the present day. The collection features iconic modernists such as Picasso and Warhol, but it also displays works by global artists that are lesser-known by the public. The Tate Modern is a place for the avant-garde, art that challenged viewers at the time it was made.

The Tate Modern is curated thematically, in areas focusing on themes such as society, materials, or media. This means that the collection can feel disjointed for those looking to understand a timeline of modern and contemporary art. I think it’s best to surrender to the theme, and enjoy the unusual connections that can be made between artworks without worrying about the wider art historical picture while visiting the Tate Modern.

Entrance to the Tate Modern is free, although certain special exhibitions will cost extra.

Tate Britain entrance hall

Tate Britain

A stone's throw away from the Houses of Parliament, Tate Britain showcases the history of British art from the 1500s to today. The circular layout provides a sort of timeline, so visitors can literally walk through British art history.

Established in 1897, Tate Britain is home to iconic works from artists such as J.M.W. Turner and Henry Moore. The journey here is more historical, tracing the art movements and societal changes that have influenced British art over the centuries.

Because it follows a timeline, this museum is good for those who want a more educational experience and who appreciate art throughout the ages.

Like the Tate Modern, Tate Britain offers free access, with certain exhibitions requiring a ticket.

Tate Modern vs. Tate Britain

In a nutshell, Tate Modern is your gateway to modern and contemporary art, while Tate Britain offers a more traditional look back through British art history (although it does have plenty of modern work as well).

Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall

An overview of the Tate Modern

Highlights from Tate Modern's Collection

• Warhol's "Marilyn Diptych" (1962): This pop-art piece encapsulates Warhol's fascination with celebrity culture and the art of mass production.

• Cildo Meireles’ “Babel” (2001): A tower of simultaneously broadcasting radios, creating an incoherent but of-the-moment noise.

• Turbine Hall installations: Each temporary installation in the Turbine Hall attempts to utilise the space in a forward-thinking way, from Ai Wei Wei’s Sunflower Seeds to Kara Walker’s monumental fountain.

Babel

Tips for a good visit at Tate Modern

• Begin your visit with the Turbine Hall, an expansive space hosting large-scale sculptures and installations.

• Head to the viewing level for panoramic views of London.

• Participate in one of the daily free guided tours to delve deeper into the collection.

• Check the calendar for late night openings. Uniqlo Lates offer a wide range of activities on these evenings.

• Young people under 26 can get £5 tickets to exhibitions by joining Tate Collective.

Things to Do Near Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is near one of my favourite neighbourhoods in London: Bermondsey. There are so many things to do in Bermondsey, from food markets to smaller art galleries.

• Visit the White Cube and walk along Bermondsey Street.

• Explore Maltby Street Market or Borough Market.

• Walk along the Thames and enjoy the city skyline.

• Visit the nearby Shakespeare's Globe.

• Explore Rotherhithe and hang out at the historic Mayflower Pub.

View from the Tate Modern

Wondering whether to visit the National Gallery or British Museum? I’ve got you covered.

An overview of Tate Britain

Highlights from Tate Britain's Collection

• The Turner collection: Tate Britain is home to the largest free collection of Turner paintings, and the galleries are packed with 9 rooms of his works throughout his career.

• Rothko’s Seagram Murals: now at home next to the Turner collection, Rothko’s moving Seagram Murals are a must-see at the Tate Britain

• Millais’ “Ophelia”: This iconic work of Pre-Raphaelite painting is astoundingly beautiful with its microscopic detail.

• Hockney's "A Bigger Splash" (1967): An ode to California's sun-soaked ambiance, Hockney's painting is a masterclass in capturing the fleeting moment.

Tips for a good visit at Tate Britain

• Don't miss the Turner Collection; it's one of the most comprehensive showcases of his work.

• Explore the Sculpture Garden, a tranquil spot perfect for reflection.

• Make sure to visit the cafes: the downstairs cafe is painted by France-Lise McGurn, one of my most favourite artists. Upstairs, the cafe has a great view of the entrance hall.

• Young people under 26 can get £5 tickets to exhibitions by joining Tate Collective.

Things to Do Near Tate Britain

• Walk to Westminster to see the abbey and Houses of Parliament.

• Head across the river to the Garden Museum, a London hidden gem with an incredible view over Parliament.

So, Tate Modern or Tate Britain?

It’s entirely up to your taste in art. I’d say that Tate Britain is the better one for the average art-viewer; the work on display is more accessible and the layout of the museum less overwhelming. But for those who enjoy modern art, Tate Modern can’t be missed.

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