The transformation of the brown brick Bankside power station into a gallery and aesthetic beacon was possibly London’s most challenging and successful Millennium project. Tate Modern’s vast turbine hall provides a dramatic entrance and exhibition space, which has been filled with an array of exhibits from giant spiders and suns to slides, blocks and recently, a crack spanning its whole length. A short while ago it reorganized its exhibits, and displays many well-known pieces by artists including such as Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Mark Rothco, Auguste Rodin and Roy Lichtenstein.
Why should I go there?
The Gallery has courted controversy at times – but that just makes visiting it all the more of an interesting experience. It sometimes seems Tate Modern showcases the best in modern art (the names above are testimony to that), but also the worst. When you see a glass of water balanced on a shelf, or a table tied together with human hair, you may be prompted to consider that old question – is this art?
If art really ain’t your thing, you can enjoy moaning about the meaningless of it all as you admire the spectacular views of St Paul’s and the city from the huge windows – and of course it’s something to talk about at dinner parties or in your hostel. Love it or hate it, modern art always creates talking points to take home with you!
Where is the Gallery?
Tate Modern is on London’s famous Southbank, at Bankside. It’s an easy walk from Southwark or Waterloo tube station.
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