THE TATE MODERN MUSEUM

1. THE TATE MODERN MUSEUM A Non-Chronological Report by TamsinDennant. Monday April 15th 2013.

2. What is it The Tate Modern is an enormous modern museum, housed in the former Bankside power station on the edge of the River Thames, London. It opened to the public in May 2000, following a £12 million programme of work to change it from its former use as a power station to an exciting interactive art museum. The £12 million came from The English Partnerships Regeneration Agency. The building has a chunky, tall chimney in the middle and the exterior of the building is made of concrete which are lower than the chimney in the middle. It has an enormous ‘turbine hall’ which measures 3300 sq m. The turbine hall is an area of the museum which is used to house specially commissioned contemporary or modern art work, between October and March each year. It houses a wide range of exhibitions and art work, which range from art work to sculpture. However, it also includes many interactive activities for families, schools and groups such as learning techniques, reading books, and using an interactive multimedia programme. There are two cafés, three shops, 9 passenger lifts and 6 escalators. These cafés seat 170 and 240 people each. In addition, the bar area can accommodate 30 more people.

3. The history of the building Between 1947 and 1963, the building that is now Tate Modern, was built as an electricity sub station. It made up of a enormous turbine hall, which measures an incredible 35 metres high, and was the length of just over one and a half 100m running tracks!! In 1981, The Electricity sub station was no longer used. And in 1996 a £12 million grant from the English Partnerships Regeneration Agency. The site was bought and the work began. The huge machinery was taken away, and the building was stripped back to its original steel structure and brick work.

4. Where is it? The Tate Modern Museum is located in London, on the Bank of the River Thames opposite St Pauls Cathedral. The Tate Modern, London

5. Visitors There are a range of people that can go there, there is a tour for two, where a tour guide takes two people around a special exhibition, and for a meal afterwards in their restaurant (The Rex Whistler). Kids and families can go too, there is also a wide range of fun, enjoyable activities for them to participate in. Admission to Tate Modern is free. It is open 10:00am until 18:00pm - Thursday- Sunday 10:00am until 22:00pm Friday- Saturday. Groups can also visit free of charge.

6. Events and activities The Tate modern museum has an amazing kids website called ’Tatekids’. It has fun games, films and even a gallery! One of the games called ‘Spin’ on the games section allows children to create their own canvas painting using a range of tools and paint colours. I have designed a few of my own, but it is quite tricky. Other Interactive activities include being able to animate, make your own films and create 3D models. Throughout the year, the museum holds a wide range of activities for both families and individuals. Such as the opportunity to create your own piece of Lichtenstein pop art. This particular event costs £20 per person.

7. Conclusion The Tate Modern Museum is a brilliant place to go. It offers many opportunities to young people and families to allow them to see a wide range of art, most of which is modern. It is also a brilliant place to go for art lovers. The location of the museum is ideal. It is easily accessible, and can be reached by many different forms of transport. I would rate it 10/10.