Tate Britain on Millbank traces British art from the 16th century to the present, with paintings, sculpture and changing exhibitions inside a Neoclassical riverside gallery. Its collection includes J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, William Blake, the Pre-Raphaelites and contemporary artists. The Clore Gallery is devoted to Turner, while the Duveen Galleries have a major sculpture commission. Most rooms follow a historical sequence, so you can explore by period or focus on artists you already know. General admission is free; temporary exhibitions may require a paid ticket.
A gallery for British art
Tate Britain is on Millbank, beside the River Thames. The gallery opened in 1897 as the National Gallery of British Art, on the site of the former Millbank Penitentiary. It later became known as the Tate Gallery, before taking the Tate Britain name.
Its collection covers British art from around 1500 to the present. You can encounter historic paintings and sculpture alongside modern and contemporary work, with temporary exhibitions bringing particular artists and themes into focus. The building was renovated in 2013.
How the collection is arranged
Many galleries follow a chronological route through British art, taking you from earlier periods towards more recent work. Other rooms focus on individual artists or themes. A booklet with labels for paintings can help you make sense of works as you go, particularly if you want more context than the gallery signs provide.
The Clore Gallery holds a major display of J.M.W. Turner’s work. Tate Britain has the world’s largest collection of his works, and the Clore rooms bring together more than 50 pieces. Turner’s atmospheric paintings are a natural focus, but the collection also includes works by John Constable, William Blake, William Hogarth and the Pre-Raphaelites.
Look beyond paintings, too. Henry Moore’s sculptures are represented in two rooms, and the gallery’s programme includes displays devoted to specific artists and subjects. The Duveen Galleries, built for sculpture, host an annual commission by a British artist.
Artists and works to look for
Tate Britain’s collection spans artists from the 16th century to the present. Alongside Turner and Constable, you can find paintings by William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds, work by the Pre-Raphaelites, and later artists including Francis Bacon, Barbara Hepworth, Lucian Freud and David Hockney.
John Constable has dedicated rooms, while Turner’s paintings occupy the Clore Gallery. The collection also includes John Everett Millais’s Ophelia and John Singer Sargent’s Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose. If your time is limited, these works offer a useful starting point before you decide which periods or rooms to explore further.
Temporary displays and events
Changing exhibitions add a different angle to the permanent collection, from focused artist retrospectives to displays on movements and themes. Tate Britain has hosted exhibitions on artists including Lee Miller and contemporary artist Ed Atkins, as well as presentations of Turner Prize finalists. Check the current programme before your visit, since exhibitions change and some require a separate ticket.
The gallery also holds talks and themed tours. Short talks on artists and paintings and longer thematic tours have been part of its programme, while special events can bring workshops, screenings, discussions and music into the building. Event schedules vary, so check what is on for your date.
Planning your visit
General admission is free, but temporary exhibitions can be ticketed. Booking ahead is recommended for special exhibitions. Tate Britain is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The gallery has a café and restaurant, along with accessible entrances, lifts and restrooms.
The collection is extensive, so plan for at least half a day if you want to see more than a few highlights. An early start can help if you are visiting a popular exhibition. With limited time, choose a handful of rooms or artists rather than trying to cover the entire gallery.
FAQ
Is Tate Britain free to enter?
General admission is free. Temporary exhibitions may require a paid ticket, and booking ahead is recommended for them.
How long should I spend at Tate Britain?
Allow at least half a day to explore the extensive collection. With less time, choose a few artists or galleries to focus on.
What can I see at Tate Britain?
The collection covers British art from around 1500 to the present, including works by Turner, Constable, Blake, the Pre-Raphaelites and Henry Moore.
Where is Tate Britain?
It is on Millbank, beside the River Thames in London.
