The Tate Britain, called Tate Gallery until 2000 is one of the largest museums in London which brings together collections of British art, from the Renaissance to the present day.
The museum brings together the largest and most beautiful collection in the world of British art and more particularly the largest collection in the world of works by Turner gathered since 1987 in the Clore Gallery.
History of the Tate Britain Museum
Tate Britain was born thanks to donations from Sir Henry Tate (1819-1899), a sugar industry magnate who bequeathed his art collection to the nation and financed a building to house it, with the government providing the site.
In 1892, the site of a former prison demolished two years earlier was chosen for the construction of a new building that would house the future museum.
Construction began in 1893 and the gallery opened on July 21, 1897, exhibiting 245 works by British artists in eight rooms.
When it was inaugurated, the museum was called the National Gallery of British Art, then in 1932 became the Tate Gallery before being baptized in March 2000 Tate Britain.
In 1987 the Close Gallery was inaugurated, hosting the world's finest collection of works by British painter Joseph Mallord William Turner.
Tate museums
La Tate now has nearly 70 works in four separate museums:
- Tate Britain founded in 1897 and called until 2000 Tate Galerie. Specialty: British art
- Tate Modern founded in 2000. Specialty: international modern and contemporary art
- Tate Liverpool founded in 1988. Specialty: international and British modern and contemporary art
- Tate St Ives founded in 1983. Specialty: modern British art
What to see at Tate Britain?
The permanent collections
Spread over thirty rooms and chronologically, the 500 or so works presented unfold the history of painting and sculpture in the United Kingdom, from 1540 to today. Thus, the museum is a link between the so-called “classical” arts and contemporary art.
In March 2013 Tate Britain opened new permanent rooms dedicated to two of the greatest figures of British art: William Blake and Henry Moore.
Among the greatest British artists are William HogarthGeorge Stubbs, Thomas Gainsborough, JMW Turner, John Constable, John Everett Millais, Gwen John, L.S. Lowry, Stanley Spencer, Francis Bacon, Bridget Riley, David Hockney, Rachel Whiteread or Damien Hirst.
The Turner collection
Tate Britain has the world's largest collection of Turner's works, consisting of 300 paintings, 20 drawings and nearly 000 sketchbooks on display in The Close Gallery.
A pioneer of Impressionism, Turner is one of the greatest English masters of vivid watercolor landscapes.
Tate Britain events
The Turner Prize
Every year since 1984, the Tate Modern has held the Turner Prize exhibition and awarded an award to a contemporary (usually British) artist under the age of 50.
The selection of artists is made by public vote in May then their works are exhibited from the end of October to January and the announcement of the winner is revealed by the jury in December.
Art Now
Art Now is a free temporary exhibition dedicated to contemporary art presenting works by emerging artists.
Contemporary art in the spotlight at the Duveen Gallery
Each year, Tate Britain offers an artist the opportunity to exhibit his works for 6 months in the Duveen Gallery, which aims to host contemporary sculptures.
These collaborations, a real springboard for the selected artists, are an opportunity to promote and combine contemporary art, within a classic environment.
Temporary exhibitions
Temporary exhibitions are chargeable, between £ 16 and £ 19 but free for children under 5 years old.
Bon plan! 2 tickets for the price of one to temporary exhibitions on presentation of your Eurostar ticket.
Free for museum members. feel free to consult the program to know the current exhibition.
Tate Britain: a good free plan!
Like all major national museums, entry to the permanent collections of Tate Britain is free 😉
Tate Britain for children
Free thematic routes for children are available from the information desks. The program of activities is available on the museum site.
The museum shop
Beyond the traditional books, maps and posters, the museum shop offers very nice decorative items such as cushions, dishes, tray and many other things to discover!
Useful information
- Free guided tours in English. Information about the museum site.
- Photographs without flash and without tripod authorized for the permanent collections.
- Free WIFI
- Paying shuttle (Tate Boat) connecting Tate Britain to Tate Modern every 40 minutes. Tickets on sale at the quay or at the museum. Possibility to use the Oyster Card, reduction with the Travelcard. Prices and information on the museum site.
Tate Britain timetables
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 00 p.m.
Tate Britain is closed December 24-26 but remains open on New Years Day.
Where is Tate Britain located?
Address : Millbank, Westminster, Londres SW1P 4RG
Metro
bus
River shuttles
