Tate Britain
Tate Modern reviews
A victim of its own success. Excellent collection, but utterly spoiled by the hordes of tourists or one-time visitors with no interest in art, most of whom wander round reading the identifying labels and captions and not actually looking at the works. At the weekends, especially, it can be a dispiriting experience.
by finnyfish (3 reviews), 10 Mar 2007A lot of really great pieces of art here, but there's also a lot of rubbish...
by Anonymous, 20 Dec 2006So easy to become jaded when you have something like the Tate Modern on your doorstep. But most other cities aspiring to London's status would give anything for a public modern art gallery on this scale.
I must admit that some of my occasional visits have left me underwhelmed, but I imagine most Londoners would agree that it's had a great first 5 years and has substantially helped re-invent this area of the south bank of the Thames.
I take friends visiting from abroad here and their reactions invariably remind me that despite its flaws, it's an amazing gallery.
I had membership here for a year, but the members-only bar got so busy that any air of exclusivity vanished. The views from the cafe are great, but not so great if you can't get a seat. The Tate's push for members has been too successful! Can't fault the art, though. A great place to visit -- particularly to check out the massive exhibits on display in the Turbine Hall.
by ChristianA (14 reviews), 25 Jun 2004Always a great way to spend an afternoon. Although you may look like a complete tourist I would really recommend hiring the handset that tells you about all the pieces on show - it's much better than trying to work out what the artist is trying to say, in my opinion. They have a cafe / restaurant at the top which serve good coffee and food with great views across London.
by Punkaj "top london reviewer" (27 reviews), 10 Mar 2004The members-only bar is really cool. The views of the river and St Paul's are amazing and the pseudo artistes (all wearing black polo necks) that hang out here add a touch of atmosphere.
If you can't get in, check out the caf upsatirs. Or nut the doorman.
Have we missed a great public art gallery in London? Let us know.
Photograph © Tate Photography/Andrew Dunkley
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