5 Reasons to Visit the New and Improved Tate Modern

 

 
Last week, London’s Tate Modern unveiled the finished results of its long-awaited 12-year expansion. To celebrate this landmark event, the institution held a series of specially curated live performances and digital presentations. Though the museum’s expansive collection of over 800 works has been rearranged, longtime fans needn’t worry; your favourite pieces are housed safely inside the 10-storey building. But just in case you need more convincing, here are five reasons to visit the new and improved Tate Modern ASAP.
 

Copyright Hayes Davidson and Herzog & de Meuron

Starchitect Structure

As the Tate’s most anticipated and major addition, the museum’s new Switch House building means one thing: more art. The Herzog and de Meuron-designed structure is a masterpiece in its own right, increasing the institution’s modern wing by 60%. Towering towards the sky, the pyramid shaped edifice is a state-of-the-art addition to London’s ever-changing skyline.
 
 

Image courtesy of Instagram user @manjitthapp, via @tate

Better Female Representation

Attentive eyes will notice the museum’s curators worked hard to ensure an increase in female-created works. Additionally, it has raised the number of women in its artist rooms, with more than half of these special solo exhibition spaces occupied by female artists.
 
 

Tropicalia, Penetrables PN 2 ‘Purity is a myth’ and PN 3 ‘Imagetical’ 1966-7 Hélio Oiticica, 1937-1980

Global Perspectives

Gender inclusion is not the only improvement made by Tate organisers. In an effort to ensure all voices are heard, curators have placed equal focus on geographical diversification, with TIME Magazine reporting artist presence from more than 50 countries.
 
 

Tania Bruguera, Tatlin’s Whisper #5 2008, copyright Tania Bruguera

Thought-provoking Performances

Named after the oil tanks which previously inhabited this area, the Tate’s Tanks area is dedicated to displays of cutting-edge performance art. This commitment towards showcasing art in all of its forms is what keeps the London institution at the forefront of the cultural sector.
 
 

Multicolour TM, copyright Peter Saville. Courtesy Herzog & de Meuron

Challenging the Future

In an industry characterised by rapid-fire change, it is important that artists and the institutions housing their works remain current. The Tate’s expansion exemplifies this fact, with its display of forward-thinking acquisitions that are often overlooked by competitors. The museum of the future is one of diversity, utilising its position to provide a platform for all artists–regardless of discipline, gender or location.