Tate Britain
London Learn more about what's on at Tate Britain and the artists shaping its programme.Tate Britain is a landmark museum located on Millbank, London, renowned for its collection of British art from the 1500s to the present day. Housed in an imposing neoclassical building on the banks of the Thames, the museum offers a comprehensive view of the evolution of British art, from the Tudor period to contemporary practice. Alongside its permanent collection—which includes major works by artists such as J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, and Barbara Hepworth—Tate Britain also stages significant exhibitions of both contemporary and historic art.
Founded in 1897 as the National Gallery of British Art, the museum was established with funds and a collection donated by sugar magnate Henry Tate. Its name changed from Tate Gallery to Tate Britain following the opening of Tate Modern in 2000. Today, it forms part of the wider Tate network, alongside Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives.
Visitors can expect major retrospectives, themed historical exhibitions, and rotating displays drawn from Tate’s vast collection. Tate Britain is especially known for its holdings of J.M.W. Turner—displayed in the Clore Gallery—as well as its support for contemporary British artists through the annual Turner Prize, a leading award for contemporary British art. The prize has been hosted at Tate Britain for many years, with some editions held at other UK venues. Notable recent exhibitions at Tate Britain have included Georgia O’Keeffe (2016), David Hockney (2017), and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye: Fly In League With The Night (2022–23).
Tate Britain FAQs
How do I find out what’s on at Tate Britain?
Visit the official Tate website for current and upcoming exhibitions, displays, and events. You can also follow Tate Britain on Ocula to receive curated updates and highlights.
Who are some of the artists who have shown at Tate Britain?
Tate Britain has exhibited artists such as Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Frank Auerbach, Barbara Hepworth, and William Blake. Discover more on these artists through Ocula’s dedicated artist profiles.
What contemporary art galleries are nearby Tate Britain?
Tate Britain is located near Tate Modern, The Courtauld Gallery, and Hayward Gallery, alongside several central London galleries including Gagosian and David Zwirner. Use Ocula’s London Art Guide to plan your itinerary.
Can I buy artworks by artists who are showing or have shown at Tate Britain?
Tate Britain is a public museum and does not sell artworks. However, many artists shown at Tate are represented by galleries featured on Ocula, where their works may be viewed, enquired about, or purchased. The Tate Shop occasionally offers artist-designed editions and merchandise. Ocula advisors are available to assist with sourcing specific works.
Is Tate Britain accessible?
Yes, Tate Britain is fully accessible, offering step-free entrances, lifts to all floors, accessible toilets, and wheelchairs available to borrow. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Artworks by Tate Britain Artists
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