Is Tate Modern open on public holidays?

Yes, Tate Modern is generally open on public holidays. It closes only on 24, 25, and 26 December but is open on 1 January. Make sure you check the official website before your visit.

When is Tate Modern least crowded?

Weekday mornings just after opening at 10am are usually the quietest. Friday and Saturday evenings during extended hours can also be calmer than midday weekends. Midday on weekends tends to be busiest.

Do I need to book tickets in advance for opening times?

No booking is required to visit the permanent collection. For special exhibitions or timed events, booking ahead is recommended to secure entry.

Are there evening or late openings at Tate Modern?

Yes, the museum stays open until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays. These extended hours provide a quieter, more relaxed experience for exploring the galleries.

What’s the best time to visit for photography or skyline views?

Morning light works best for gallery photography. Later evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays can offer a calmer atmosphere and fewer crowds for capturing the exhibits and views.

Is Tate Modern accessible via public transport in the evening?

Yes. Tate Modern is served by London Underground, buses, and riverboats. Transport continues into the evening on Fridays and Saturdays, but check schedules if visiting late.

Tate Modern Opening Hours | Best Times to Visit and Other Tips

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is open daily, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays and special closures during the winter holidays. Be sure to check the last entry times and any seasonal adjustments before your visit.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Tuesday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Wednesday (Today)	10:00–18:00	17:30
Thursday	10:00–18:00	17:30
Friday	10:00–21:00	20:30
Saturday	10:00–21:00	20:30
Sunday	10:00–18:00	17:30

Regular hours: Open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5:15pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, Tate Modern is open until 9pm, with last entry at 8:30pm.
Special closures: Closed December 24, 25, and 26 each year. Open on other holidays, including January 1.
Exhibitions: Timed-entry tickets are required for major exhibitions, with last admission 45 minutes before closing. Some galleries may close early for maintenance or special events. Check tate.org.uk for real-time updates.

Best time to visit the Tate Modern

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekday: Tate Modern is less crowded on weekdays, especially Tuesday to Thursday. For a peaceful experience, visit in the morning (around 10 am) or late afternoon (post 4 pm) when galleries are quieter.
Weekend: Weekends are usually busy, with the largest crowds around midday on Saturdays and Sundays. Late Friday and Saturday evenings (around 8 pm) are slightly less crowded.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season: Peak months at Tate Modern are from May through September and during major holidays, when the museum is busiest and special exhibitions attract large crowds.
Low season: For a calmer visit, consider the low season—November to February (excluding the Christmas period)—when galleries are quieter, and you can enjoy the art at your own pace. Spring and early autumn offer a good balance of moderate crowds and comfortable weather, making them ideal for sightseeing and taking in the riverside location.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long should I spend at Tate Modern?

Quick visit (1–2 hours)

If you’re short on time, a 1–2 hour visit lets you catch the museum’s highlights. Start with the Turbine Hall to see the large-scale installation, then move to the Start Display for artworks that introduce modern art movements, and finish with a few standout pieces like Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych.

Typical visit (3–4 hours)

A 3–4 hour visit gives you time to explore most of the permanent galleries, including the Picasso, Rothko, and Hockney rooms. You can also wander the Boiler House rooms, enjoy the Hyundai Commission in the Turbine Hall, and step into The Tanks for immersive or performance art if scheduled.

Extended visit (4–5+ hours)

With 4–5 hours or more, you can fully immerse yourself in Tate Modern. Explore every floor at a relaxed pace, visit all major permanent collections, and take in live art performances, if any, at The Tanks. This timeframe also allows for guided tours and lunch at one of the museum’s dining spaces.

Plan your visit to Tate Modern