Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
promenades,majorsights(suchastheTateModernandShakespeare'sGlobe),andacolorful
collection of lesser sights. The area is easy on foot and a scenic—though circuitous—way to
connect the Tower of London with St. Paul's.
Dedicated inthespringof2000,thestrikingmuseumacrosstheriverfromSt.Paul'sopened
the new century with art from the previous one. Its powerhouse collection of Monet, Ma-
tisse, Dalí, Picasso, Warhol, and much more is displayed in a converted powerhouse.
The permanent collection is on the third and fifth floors. Paintings are arranged ac-
cording to theme, not chronologically or by artist. Paintings by Picasso, for example, are
scattered all over the building. Don't just come to see the Old Masters of modernism. Push
your mental envelope with more recent works by Pollock, Miró, Bacon, Picabia, Beuys,
Twombly, and others.
Of equal interest are the many temporary exhibits featuring cutting-edge art. Each year,
themain hall features adifferent monumental installation byaprominent artist—always one
of the highlights of the art world. The Tate is constructing a new wing to the south, which
willdoubleitsexhibitionspace.Theperformancehallsshouldbeopenintimeforyourvisit;
the rest of the complex is set to open later in 2014.
Cost and Hours:
Free, but £4 donation appreciated, fee for special exhibitions,
audioguide-£4, daily 10:00-18:00, Fri-Sat until 22:00, last entry to temporary exhibits 45
minutes before closing, especially crowded on weekend days (crowds thin out on Fri and
Sat evenings), free 45-minute
guided tours
are offered about four times daily (ask for
schedule at info desk), no photos beyond entrance hall, several cafés, tel. 020/7887-8888,
Getting There:
Cross the Millennium Bridge from St. Paul's; take the Tube to South-
wark, London Bridge, or Mansion House and walk 10-15 minutes; or catch Thames Clip-
pers' Tate Boat ferry service from the Tate Britain (£6 one-way or £13.60 for day ticket, 33
percent discount with Travelcard, buy ticket at gallery desk or on board, departs every 40
minutes from 9:55 to 17:00, 18 minutes, check schedule at
www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-boat
)
.
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Millennium Bridge
The pedestrian bridge links St. Paul's Cathedral and the Tate Modern across the Thames.
This is London's first new bridge in a century. When it opened, the $25 million bridge
wiggled when people walked on it, so it promptly closed for repairs; 20 months and $8 mil-
lion later, it reopened. Nicknamed the “blade of light” for its sleek minimalist design (370
yards long, four yards wide, stainless steel with teak planks), its clever aerodynamic hand-
rails deflect wind over the heads of pedestrians.
