How to Beat the Crowds at Tate Modern
Tate Modern's collection is free and needs no booking, so there's usually no queue except a short bag check. The big special exhibitions (like the Frida Kahlo show, about £25) need timed tickets, so book those online in advance. For calm galleries, go at the 10 am opening on a weekday, or on a late-opening evening.
- Collection
- Free, no booking needed
- Exhibitions
- Timed tickets, about £20-25. Free for Tate Members
- Young people
- Tate Collective (16-25) exhibition tickets about £5
- Viewing level
- Free, on the 10th floor of the Blavatnik Building
- Best time
- 10 am on a weekday
- Busiest
- Weekend afternoons, school holidays and rainy days
- Time to allow
- 2-3 hours
How busy is Tate Modern?
Tate Modern is one of the most visited art museums in the world. You can walk straight in during opening hours, with just a security check that can slow down at busy times. The crowds are in the ticketed exhibitions, the Turbine Hall at weekends and the free viewing level, especially at sunset.
Before you go, check how busy Tate Modern is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for UK school holidays, bank holidays and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Tate Modern →