When did Tate Modern officially open to the public?
The Queen officially opened the gallery on the 11th of May 2000. Visitors flocked to the space immediately, with 5.25 million people attending during the first year alone.
Questions about Tate Modern
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who designed the original Bankside Power Station that became Tate Modern?
Sir Giles Gilbert Scott designed the original structure between 1947 and 1963. The facility closed in 1981 before campaigners fought to save the industrial landmark from demolition.
How much did the extension project for Tate Modern cost?
The extension project initially cost £215 million and reached a total cost of £260 million following contributions from various donors. International shipping magnate Eyal Ofer pledged £10 million in June 2013 to bring funding to 85% completion.
What is the current name of the tower at Tate Modern?
In May 2017, Sir Leonard Blavatnik received formal recognition as the building was renamed the Blavatnik Building. This renaming followed his substantial contribution to the £260 million total cost of the expansion.
When did the COVID-19 pandemic close Tate Modern and how many visitors attended in 2022?
The COVID-19 pandemic closed the museum for 173 days during 2020, causing attendance to plunge by 77 percent to 1,432,991 visitors. Recovery proved strong in 2022 when 3,883,160 people visited, making it the third most visited institution in Britain.