London’s beloved brutalist beauty and art gallery, Tate Modern, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a spectacular four-day birthday bash, promising a vibrant mix of live music, performances, interactive workshops, and more. And the very best part? It’s completely free to attend.
Running from May 9 to May 12 (in partnership with UNIQLO), the Birthday Weekender is a chance for everyone to enjoy a long weekend of the very best modern and contemporary art. Soak up the gallery’s world-renowned displays and exhibitions, all while enjoying this specially-curated mix of events.
Live performance and participation will animate the museum. In the galleries, visitors can enjoy a live tarot reading as part of Meschac Gaba’s Museum of Contemporary African Art and a specially commissioned performance by Abbas Zahedi in Gathering Ground, a free exhibition exploring the ecological crisis and social justice.
There will also be live music to keep the party vibes going into the evening, taking over the iconic Turbine Hall, as well as the Corner Café and Terrace Bar.
But back to the free displays. Louise Bourgeois’ giant bronze spider Maman – which was the very first work to greet visitors when the gallery opened in 2000 – will return to the Turbine Hall bridge. There will also be a new trail of 25 key works installed around the building, showcasing iconic artworks from Tate Modern’s extensive collection
From Andy Warhol’s legendary Marilyn portrait to contemporary works by artists such as Outi Pieski and Edgar Calel; it’s not only a chance to immerse yourself in the history of modern and contemporary art, but an opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the gallery itself. And celebrate its astounding legacy, of course.
So, don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of one of London’s most beloved cultural landmarks. Whether you go for the art and stay for the music, or want to express some creativity in a workshop; there’s truly something for everyone. The events taking place are a mixture of drop-in and ‘free with ticket’, so make sure you plan ahead so you don’t miss out!
The Birthday Weekender will be taking place from Friday, May 9 to Monday, May 12 at Tate Modern. You can find the gallery at Bankside London SE1 9TG. For more information on the Tate’s Birthday Weekender, click here to visit their official website.