Tate Modern

By the year 2000, the Tate Britain collection had become so extensive and varied that it was logically divided into two exhibitions. Classic works remained in the old building on Trafalgar Square, while the contemporary art section moved across the Thames to the premises of a former power station and quickly became a cult place of modern London — becoming known as Tate Modern.

The Bankside Power Station, long after its closure, was at risk of demolition. Many people advocated for the idea of preserving the building and finding a new use for it. In April 1994, the Tate Gallery purchased the station and announced that it would become the home for a new entity — the Tate Modern gallery. In July of the same year, an international competition was announced for the project of the future museum, with more than 70 individuals participating. The choice fell on Herzog & De Meuron — a small and little-known Swiss firm. The deciding factor was that the firm's architects' concept allowed for preserving a significant portion of the building's existing features. The Turbine Hall, for example, became an impressive entrance plaza with escalators and exhibition space for large sculptures. The Boiler House, in turn, was transformed into galleries located on three levels around the perimeter of the building. Work on the project began in June 1995 and was finally completed in January 2000.

The gallery presents contemporary art works (post-1900) in genres such as impressionism, abstractionism, cubism, surrealism, pop art, etc. The museum halls feature paintings, sculptures, posters, photographs, multimedia installations, and much more.

The exhibition does not follow a chronological order of works — it is organized on a thematic basis and consists of just four sections: "Still Life, Object, Real Life", "Landscape and Environment", "Historical Painting", "Nude, Action, Body".

Among the popular exhibits are paintings by Wassily Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich, and Pablo Picasso, as well as works by Claude Monet and Matisse, posters by Andy Warhol, surrealistic works by De Chirico and Tristram Hillier. And this is just a small part of what can interest art lovers.

Permanent exhibitions are located on the 3rd and 5th floors of the gallery, temporary exhibitions are held on the 4th floor, and there is a café on the 7th floor. There are also many comfortable rest areas on its premises. Entry to the museum is free, except on days when some temporary exhibitions are held.