Tate Britain is the original Tate Gallery, which opened in 1897 on the site of the former Millbank Prison and it features an extensive collection of British art spanning from the 1500s to the present day.
What to see at Tate Britain
The art gallery houses a collection of British art dating from Tudor times to the present day. It is particularly noted for its large collection of works of Joseph Mallord William Turner, who bequeathed his personal collection to the gallery.
The gallery is organised chronologically with more prominent artists having a room to themselves and some artists have multiple rooms, such as Turner who has eight rooms in the Clore Gallery.
Most galleries are located on the main floor (ground level if you enter by the Millbank entrance). This includes rooms organised by era starting in 1540 and working up to the present day as well as rooms highlighting specific artists including Henry Moore, Bernard Cohen, Antony Gormley, Craigie Horsfield, Elizabeth Price and John Constable plus the Turner collections in the Clore Gallery.
The upper floor has two rooms dedicated to William Blake.
Highlights of the gallery include The Cholmondeley Ladies (circa 1600–1610); Giovanna Baccelli (1782) by Thomas Gainsborough; Millais Ophelia (1851–1852 by Sir John Everett; Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose (1885–1886) by John Singer Sargent; Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion (circa 1946) by Francis Bacon; No Woman, No Cry (1998) by Chris Ofili; Ghost of a Flea (1819–1820 by William Blake; The Opening of Waterloo Bridge (1832) by John Constable and Peace, Burial at Sea (1842), the Decline and Fall of the Carthaginian Empire (1817) and self portrait (1799) by JMW Turner.
Temporary exhibitions at the Tate Britain
Tate Britain also hosts a programme of temporary exhibitions. Temporary exhibitions include:
The 80s: Photographing Britain
This exhibition (until 5 May 2025) explores photography during the 1980s, a decade marked by social and political upheaval. It showcases the work of photographers, collectives and publications that responded to events like race uprisings, the miners’ strikes and the AIDS crisis. The exhibition highlights how photography was used for social change and activism, focusing on underrepresented communities such as the Black arts movement, queer experience and the South Asian diaspora. £20.
Ed Atkins
This exhibition (2 April–25 August 2025) marks the first major UK showcase of Ed Atkins, a contemporary artist known for his videos and animations. Over the past decade, Atkins has explored the shrinking divide between digital representation and physical experience. His work often reflects on how modern technology impacts our sense of self. The exhibition will feature a range of Atkins’ works, including moving images, paintings, writing and drawings, displayed across large-scale installations.
Edward Burra – Ithell Colquhoun
This exhibition (13 June–19 October 2025) presents works by two influential British artists, Edward Burra and Ithell Colquhoun, with one ticket giving access to both. Burra’s retrospective showcases over 80 works, highlighting his vibrant depictions of urban life and marginalised communities. Running alongside, Colquhoun’s exhibition features more than 200 pieces, tracing her journey from British Surrealism to her exploration of art, ecology and the occult. The exhibition includes her interpretation of the Tarot deck, blending her artistic and magical practice.
Lee Miller
This major exhibition (2 October 2025–15 February 2026) offers the most comprehensive retrospective of surrealist photographer Lee Miller’s work ever staged in the UK. Known for her transition from sought-after model to influential photographer, Miller’s career spanned avant-garde scenes in New York, Paris, London and Cairo. The exhibition covers her involvement in surrealism, fashion and war photography, featuring around 250 prints, including rarely seen images. It also explores her lesser-known work, such as her photographs of the Egyptian landscape in the 1930s.
Turner and Constable
This exhibition (27 November 2025–12 April 2026) marks 250 years since the births of JMW Turner and John Constable, two of Britain’s most influential painters. Although contemporaries and rivals, their approaches to landscape painting were distinct. Turner often depicted dramatic scenes and vivid sunsets, while Constable focused on familiar rural landscapes and natural authenticity. Featuring sketchbooks, personal items, and key works, the exhibition explores their contrasting styles, careers and shared legacy in transforming British art.
Visiting Tate Britain
Tate Britain is located on Millbank on the River Thames across from Vauxhall. The closest tube stations are Pimlico and Vauxhall (both within a 10-minute walk) and Vauxhall and Victoria railway stations are also within walking distance.
It is around a 15-minute walk from the cluster of attractions around Westminster including Westminster Abbey, Jewel Tower, Churchill War Rooms, the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben).
There is a programme of free guided tours. These include tours focusing on various topics including the growth of British art, people and places of the 19th century and the paintings of JMW Turner.
The Djanogly Café and Rex Whistler Restaurant are located on the lower floor (ground level if you enter via the Manton entrance). The Djanogly Café is the more casual of the two with a nice selection of cakes, pastries, salads, pies and quiches and coffee that is roasted on-site whilst the Rex Whistler Restaurant, which features Rex Whistler’s mural The Expedition in Pursuit of Rare Meats, is much fancier with table service and an extensive wine list.
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours exploring Tate Britain.
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