things-to-do
Tate Modern and Tate Britain: Free Galleries on the Thames
London's two Tate galleries offer free entry to their collections, with Tate Modern on the South Bank and Tate Britain in Millbank linked by a river boat service.
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London has two Tate galleries beside the River Thames, and general entry to their collections is free. Tate Modern occupies a former power station on the South Bank at Bankside, focusing on modern and contemporary art, while Tate Britain in Millbank houses British art from the sixteenth century to the present. Special exhibitions at both usually require a paid ticket.
Tate Modern's scale makes it worth planning a route in advance. The gallery is arranged over several levels, with free displays drawn from the collection alongside changing exhibitions. A viewing level offers wide views across the river towards St Paul's Cathedral, and the official website sets out current opening hours and any gallery closures.
Tate Britain, a short distance upriver, presents a chronological journey through British art and is generally quieter than Tate Modern. Both galleries publish what is on display, so checking ahead helps if there is a particular collection or exhibition you want to see. Opening hours can vary, and some spaces close between exhibitions.
A popular way to combine the two is the river boat service that links the piers near each gallery, offering a scenic trip along the Thames; tickets are separate and can be checked with the operator. Both galleries are also served by Underground stations and buses, with step-free access and accessibility information published on the Tate website.
Facilities at both sites include cafes, shops, cloakrooms and accessible toilets, and staff can advise on quieter times to visit. Large bags may be subject to checks, so travelling light speeds up entry. Photography is generally allowed in the free collection displays, though restrictions can apply in some exhibitions.
Whether you visit one gallery or both, treating the free collection displays as the core of your visit lets you explore at your own pace without a ticket. Confirm current opening hours, exhibition tickets and river-service details through the official Tate and operator websites before you set out.