Tate Britain

About Tate Britain
Tate Britain is the original Tate Gallery and holds the largest collection of British art in the world. The gallery shows work from the last five centuries, including contemporary British art, in a series of free changing displays.
Tate's Collection includes masterpieces by British artists such as Hogarth, Gainsborough, Constable, Millais, Burne-Jones, Whistler, Sargent, Sickert, Hepworth and Bacon. The extraordinary work of JMW Turner can be seen in the Clore Gallery.
Tate Britain Facilities
| Opening times: | Daily 10.00-17.50 Exhibitions open 10.00-17.40 (last admission 17.00) Late at Tate Britain First Friday of each month, 18.00-22.00 (last entry to exhibitions 21.00, exhibitions close 21.40) Closed 24, 25, 26 December (open as normal on 1 January) |
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| Parking & transport | Car parking Parking (charge) |
| Catering | Food shop |
| Booking and payment details | Free Solo accepted Maestro accepted |
| Accessibility | Ramp/level access |
Tate Britain Address
| Address: | Millbank London SW1P 4RG |
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| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7887 8888 |
| Email: | information@tate.org.uk |
| Website: | www.tate.org.uk |
Prices:
| Adult: | Free |
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Location Information for Tate Britain
| Address: | Millbank London SW1P 4RG |
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| Telephone: | +44 (0)20 7887 8888 |
| Email: | information@tate.org.uk |
| Website: | www.tate.org.uk |
| Public transport: | Bus: 88, 77A, C10, 2,3,36,159; 185, 507 also stop within easy reach Tube: Pimlico or Vauxhall (Victoria line), Westminster (District, Circle or Jubilee lines) |
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review of Tate Britain

Despite its big new brother, the Tate Britain's still holding its own. No fancy bars or spiral staircases here, just a veritable archive of pre-modern British art. And actually a pretty fancy restaurant decorated by Rex Whistler making a great setting for a plush lunch.
Latest 4 reviews of Tate Britain
Well worth the effort...
It' can be slightly tricky to get to but well worth the effort for some amazing art in a fantastic setting. The building and views over the river, particularly from up in the top floor restaurant, are stunning. Spent a whole morning exploring. Loved the new Cy Twombly exhibition but there's plenty in the permanent collection to keep you busy. Would really recommend the audio guide as well to get the most out of the visit. Also, the cafe downstairs makes a good stop for breakfast or lunch.
Snobby staff can't handle on-line bookings
Such a shame, the staff had a snooty attitude and did not know their own systems. I won't be going back.
I planned a 'Tate Day' going to the Tate Britain in the morning, taking the Tate Boat to the Tate Modern for a guided tour of a special exhibtion in the afternoon. In preparation for this I booked a boat ticket and guided tour ticket on-line.
Arriving at the Tate Britain in the morning, I was told that to collect pre-booked, pre-paid tickets I had to wait in the 30-minute queue with those who were simply buying tickets on the day (so what benefit to booking in advance?!). When I finally arrived at the top of the queue, the sales assistant told me that all tickets (including for the boat) are held for collection at the Tate Modern instead! What a waste of my time.
So I was booked and paid-up to get to my destination (Tate Modern) by boat, but to board the boat I needed a ticket - which apparently I couldn't get until my destination. Conundrum!
The only option was to walk to the Modern (45 mins at a brisk pace, thankfully in fine weather) where they told me that of course the Britain could have issued the boat ticket. They happily refunded my boat fare as by that time it would have been impossible to have the boat ride as well as make the guided tour.
My advice to others:
- Don't bother to book tickets on-line, there is no apparent benefit (unless you want to get tickets to a popular exhibition which might be sold-out)
- Go to the Tate Modern in preference to the Britain as the staff there seemed much more knowledgeable and had a more helpful attitude. If you have time to pop down to the Britain after you are finished with the Modern, it might be worth considering.
Also disappointed
After hearing Tate Britain this, Tate Britain that, I really had high expectations. But upon arrival, I was asking myself if I was in the wrong building! First of all, it was very isolated from most of London attractions. Not easy to find or to get to. The staff strutted around in black t-shirts, acting like a bunch of pretentious hairstylists. I ended up asking a janitor questions about a specific painting because the staff hadn't a clue!
There were definitely some beautiful works of art, but the tone of the environment left a bad taste in my mouth. I'll probably never waste my time there again as there are so many other great places to visit in London.
A Bit Disappointed!
I must admit that I was a bit disappointed by the the Tate Britain. The building's interior lacks the warmth of the V & A or the beauty of the National Gallery. The collections of English art are very good, but some of the works are in obvious need of cleaning or restoration. The Tate shop can't compare to the V & A or the British Museum shops. I would rank the Tate Britain behind the National Gallery, the British Museum, The V & A and the British Library in terms of cultural attractions. Plan to spend no more than 90 minutes here - unless you have a special interest in English art.
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Events at Tate Britain
The Turner Prize 2008 Exhibition
Altermodern: Tate Triennial 2009 Prologues Exhibition
26 Apr 2008 to 17 Jan 2009
Tate's fourth Triennial exhibition, curated by Nicolas Bourriaud, explores a concept defined by Bourriaud as 'the Altermodern'. The term describes art made in today's global context which is a reaction against standardisation and commercialism.Art and Citizenship Special event
Art and Literacy: Speaking Pictures Reception and KS1-2 Special event
Recurring event
A storyteller or a writer and poet bring pictures and sculptures to life through creative links between words and images, to promote primary literacy skills. These participatory and fun sessions explore new ways of developing language skills and understanding works on display.

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