Tate Britain

Explore one of London's premier art galleries, home to centuries of British art and a national treasure on the banks of the Thames.

Tate Britain (GPS: 51.49106, -0.12778) is one of the UK’s most renowned art galleries, located in the Millbank area of Westminster. It holds the national collection of British art from the Tudor period to the present day.

The gallery is part of the larger Tate network, which includes Tate Modern, Tate Liverpool, and Tate St Ives. Tate Britain stands out for its focus on historical and classical British artists, including J.M.W. Turner, William Blake, John Constable, and many others.

It is not only a destination for art lovers but also a magnificent architectural site and an essential stop for anyone interested in British culture and heritage.

The History of Tate Britain

Tate Britain opened its doors to the public in 1897. It was originally known as the National Gallery of British Art and was built on the site of the former Millbank Prison, which was demolished in the 1890s.

The gallery was designed by the architect Sidney R. J. Smith in the neoclassical style, with a grand central portico and dome that echo the grandeur of other national institutions. Over the years, Tate Britain has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate its growing collection and modern needs.

Major extensions include the Clore Gallery (1987), which houses the works of J.M.W. Turner, and a major refurbishment in the early 2000s, which redefined the visitor experience and added contemporary features while preserving the classical structure.

How Tate Britain Got Its Name

The gallery’s name was not always “Tate Britain.” When it was founded, it was known as the National Gallery of British Art. It acquired its current name after being renamed the Tate Gallery in 1932, in honour of its founder, the industrialist and philanthropist Sir Henry Tate.

Sir Henry Tate made his fortune from sugar refining and was a passionate patron of the arts. He donated his personal collection of British art and funded the construction of the gallery itself. To recognise his generosity, the institution was renamed after him.

In 2000, when the Tate network was reorganised into four distinct galleries, the Millbank location was officially renamed Tate Britain to distinguish it from the newly opened Tate Modern on Bankside.

Distance from Charing Cross

Tate Britain is located about 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometres) by road from Charing Cross. Depending on traffic and mode of transport, the journey typically takes about 10–15 minutes by car or taxi, and around 25 minutes on foot via Whitehall and Millbank.

Nearest London Underground Stations

The gallery is well-served by public transport and is within walking distance of several London Underground stations:

Pimlico Station – on the Victoria Line; approximately 5 minutes’ walk.
Vauxhall Station – on the Victoria Line; about 10 minutes’ walk across Vauxhall Bridge.
Westminster Station – on the District, Circle, and Jubilee Lines; approximately 15–20 minutes’ walk along the river.

In addition to the Underground, several local bus routes stop near the gallery, and riverboat services operate from Millbank Pier just outside the building.

Fun Fact: The Home of the Turner Prize

Each year, Tate Britain hosts one of the UK's most high-profile and sometimes controversial art awards – the Turner Prize. Named after the celebrated artist J.M.W. Turner, the prize recognises outstanding contemporary visual artists under the age of 50. It has helped launch the careers of major British artists such as Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, and Grayson Perry.

The Turner Prize exhibition and award ceremony draw significant media attention and offer visitors a chance to see some of the most talked-about artworks of the year.

Quick Facts About Tate Britain

Name: Tate Britain
Founded: 1897
Original Name: National Gallery of British Art
Renamed: Tate Gallery in 1932; Tate Britain in 2000
Founder: Sir Henry Tate
Style: Neoclassical architecture
Collection Focus: British art from 1500 to the present
Location: Millbank, Westminster, London
Distance from Charing Cross: 1.4 miles by road
Nearest Tube Stations: Pimlico (Victoria Line), Vauxhall (Victoria Line), Westminster (District, Circle, Jubilee)
Notable Feature: Hosts the annual Turner Prize exhibition

Conclusion

Tate Britain is more than just a gallery – it’s a cornerstone of British culture and history. From its roots in Victorian philanthropy to its role today as a steward of national artistic heritage, Tate Britain continues to inspire, educate, and challenge visitors of all backgrounds.

Whether you're drawn by the masterful paintings of Turner, curious about cutting-edge contemporary installations, or simply seeking a peaceful walk among timeless works of art, Tate Britain remains a must-see sight in London.