LONDON WEEKEND BREAKS - Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is one of a collection of Tate galleries spread across the UK and it highlights international modern art in all of its forms.

The Tate, as it is usually referred to, is located in the building of what was once the Bankside Power Station and it opened on 12 May 2000.

All permanent displays are housed in galleries on either the third or fifth floor of the building, whilst the fourth floor is reserved for temporary exhibitions and exhibits.

There is a further display zone on level two and this is used primarily for contemporary works.

Displays

The manner in which the Tate exhibits its artist portfolio has long been the subject of debate and it illustrates what many see as a high-brow and artistically aristocratic approach.

The works are not listed or displayed in chronological, or any other convention order, but rather by cryptic descriptions.

They are as follows, Material Gestures, Signs and Textures, Poetry and Dream, Idea and Object and States of Flux.

This unconventional and, in the eyes of some, arrogant approach to art exhibiting is also reflected in the art works on display. The Tate Modern has long been associated with controversy regarding the kinds of art that it highlights, but it has also kept art in the public mind and ensured that what is and is not art is always open to rigorous debate.

Visiting

The Tate Modern is free to all and it is open 7 days per week although with varying opening hours depending upon the day. Fridays and Saturdays see late opening until 10.00pm. Charges are made for special exhibitions.

Located on the south bank of the river Thames, you can get to the Tate Modern by departing at the following tube stations which are about a ten minute walk away, Southwark (Jubilee line), or Blackfriars on the north bank (Circle and District line).

You can also walk from London Bridge tube station to the Tate although it is slightly further away.

The Tate is services by a number of bus routes.