Tate Modern; Free Guided Art Tours

Set on the banks of the River Thames, Tate Modern is an extensive art gallery that is popular with both residents and visitors alike. Housed in an old power station, Tate Modern plays an impressive architectural backdrop to modern & contemporary art from 1900’s onwards. With no admission charges in place, (donations are welcome), those visiting London on a budget can also pick up a free guided tour that can enhance your visit. We recently joined one of these tours where you can find out our thoughts below plus some handy tips & tricks to help you get the most from your visit.

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Tate Modern Free Guided Tours

Tate Modern; FREE Tours

Guided tours run regularly throughout the year at Tate Modern offering you an insight into distinct areas of the collection. Once you’ve entered the building and made your way through security, head up to level 2 to check times & content so you can plan your visit.  Revolving information boards that are dotted around the building also display daily tours times. All tours start from the meeting point, at top of the escalator, on Level 2 in the Natalie Bell Building – simply look out for the stand-alone orange display board.

Run by a team of Tate volunteers, tours reflect the range of background & interests of individual guides offering a unique experience every time. Tours tend to run for around 45 minutes in duration that we found is ideal to retain both interest and physical endurance as you make your way around the galleries. There are no limits on numbers but we’ve not found them to be uncomfortable in numbers. Sometimes you can cover large distances between the building & galleries whereas other tours are focused more narrowly.

Mirroring the interests of the host guides, each individual tour is packed with insights, stories and information about selected pieces of art. As you cover different aspects of the collection each time, it allows you to build up a knowledge with subsequent visits.

Free Guided Tours at Tate Modern – Meeting Point

Tate Modern Free Guided Tours; Tips & Tricks

1. Entry to the Tate Modern remains FREE of charge although there is a small suggested donation to help cover costs.

2. Joining unencumbered of belongings helps focus on the tour at hand so make use of the lockers available to rent. Located on the lower level of the Blavatnik Building, charges are in place depending upon the size of the locker required.  Lockers do not accept cash and are free to use for Tate members.

3. Pick up a free fold away chair that can be found at the start of your tour.  Light to carry, they can prove invaluable in taking the load off your feet as you contemplate works of art.

4. Tate Modern also offers a paid Highlights Tour that can be useful for first-time visitors that are often draw smaller numbers.  Check at the exhibition desk on the lower level for prices & times.

5. Look out for Tate Membership that offers free entry to all paid exhibitions plus access to unique member spaces, discounts off secondary spend in the shop & exclusive member events. Make use of the members area on Level 5 that offers spectacular views across the river at St Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge.

6. More information available at Tate Modern Free Guided Tours.