Ever wanted to swap your Friday night routine for something a little more exciting than the usual pub or movie? Well, we’re happy to inform you that the Tate Modern has your back.
Starting this September, the world-famous gallery will swing open its doors late every Friday and Saturday – so you can wander through mind-bending art, catch live performances, or vibe with DJ sets after sundown, all for free.
Tate Modern extending its opening hours
From September 26, Tate Modern is extending its opening hours to stay open until 9:00 PM every Friday and Saturday. This exciting development follows the record-breaking attendance at Tate Modern’s 25th birthday weekendheld in partnership with UNIQLO, which attracted over 76,000 visitors in just three days – 70% of whom were under 35.
The move builds on the ongoing success of Tate Modern Latesa series of specially curated evening events held monthly since 2016 that have welcomed over 750,000 guests.
The extended weekend hours aim to enhance London’s vibrant night-time cultural sceneallowing many visitors the opportunity to experience art after work on Fridays and Saturdays.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan welcomed the news, praising Tate Modern for transforming the city’s cultural landscape and highlighting the importance of supporting the night-time economy to make London’s arts and entertainment more accessible. He said this initiative allows even more Londoners and visitors to enjoy world-class art after hours.
Tate Modern Lates and more
In addition to the new extended weekend hours, the gallery’s regular Tate Modern Lates will continue at the end of each month. These popular events offer special programmes featuring artist talks, creative workshops, film screenings, live music, and DJ sets, making art more accessible and placing social engagement at the heart of the museum experience.
Karin Hindsbo, Director of Tate Modernsaid: “Over the last decade, Tate Modern Lates have become a cornerstone of London’s nightlife. They have proven the huge demand for access to our galleries outside of regular hours, especially among young Londoners who want to make the most of their city’s dynamic cultural scene. So I’m delighted that Tate Modern will soon be open late every Friday and Saturday evening, making the world’s most popular modern art museum even more accessible.”
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industriessaid: “Tate Lates have been a stellar success so it’s brilliant news that we can all now enjoy a night at the gallery every Friday and Saturday. London’s nightlife is central to our success as a global creative capital – including world class art after hours.”
