Tickets & booking
Tate Modern Tickets
The good news: Tate Modern’s collection is free to enter — no ticket needed. You only need to book if you want a paid special exhibition, or a guided/skip-the-line tour.
This is an independent visitor’s guide, not the official Tate website. Official tickets are sold only at tate.org.uk.
Free collection entry
Entry to the collection displays is free for everyone and there is nothing to book. Just drop in at any point during opening hours and start exploring. It is an easy visit to fit around other plans, and short repeat visits work well too.
See opening hoursPaid exhibitions
Temporary and special exhibitions are ticketed separately from the free collection. Prices vary from show to show, and Tate members normally go free. Popular exhibitions can sell out at weekends and in school holidays, so booking ahead is sensible.
The only place to book official exhibition tickets is the Tate website.
Book on tate.org.ukGuided tours & skip-the-line experiences
If you would like expert commentary or a curated route through the highlights, a guided experience can help — especially if time is short. These are run by independent, third-party tour operators and are not run by Tate.
More about guided toursSkip-the-line & South Bank bundles
Tours below are operated by independent providers and booked via Viator — not official Tate tickets.
Ticket questions
Do you need a ticket for Tate Modern?
Not for the main collection. Entry to Tate Modern's collection displays is free and open to all during opening hours, with no booking required. A ticket is only needed for paid special exhibitions, or if you choose an optional guided or skip-the-line tour run by an independent operator.
Where do I buy official Tate Modern exhibition tickets?
Official exhibition tickets are sold by Tate itself at tate.org.uk/whats-on. Prices differ from show to show, and Tate members usually go free. This site is an independent visitor's guide, so it does not sell official admission or exhibition tickets.
Are guided tours the same as official Tate tickets?
No. Guided and skip-the-line experiences listed on this page are arranged by independent third-party tour operators and booked through Viator. They are separate from Tate's own programme of free talks and tours, and separate from official exhibition tickets sold on tate.org.uk.
Can I just turn up at Tate Modern?
Yes. You can walk in during opening hours and explore the free collection without booking anything in advance. Weekends and school holidays are busier, so an early or late visit is usually calmer. Check current opening hours before you travel.
Do children need tickets?
Children can enter the free collection displays without a ticket, just like adults. Some ticketed special exhibitions offer free or reduced entry for children and young people, but this varies by show, so confirm the details on tate.org.uk before booking.
More answers in the visitor FAQ.