One of the world’s most iconic contemporary art museums is turning 25—and it’s throwing a celebration worthy of its cultural status. This weekend, Tate Modern marks a quarter-century with a four-day public event filled with free exhibitions, live performances, DJ sets, creative workshops, and more. From Thursday, May 9 to Sunday, May 12, Londoners can enjoy an immersive art and music experience across Tate Modern’s galleries and public spaces.
For young people aged 16 to 25, the celebration offers even more reason to attend: all paid exhibitions will be free for members of the Tate Collective, a free-to-join membership scheme aimed at making art more accessible for the next generation.
What’s Happening at Tate Modern This Weekend?
The gallery’s four-day festival includes a wide range of cultural programming designed to spotlight both emerging and established creative talent. Expect a blend of visual art, performance, and cutting-edge music in one of London’s most iconic cultural venues.
1. Free Entry to Major Exhibitions for Young Visitors
As part of the birthday celebrations, Tate Modern is offering free access to its ticketed exhibitions for Tate Collective members. This includes headline shows such as:
- “Leigh Bowery” – A tribute to the legendary performance artist and fashion provocateur
- “Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet” – Exploring digital creativity in the pre-Internet age
Those aged 16–25 can sign up for Tate Collective online and unlock access to these exhibitions at no cost throughout the festival.
2. Late-Night DJ Sets Featuring Top Artists and Collectives
The celebrations don’t stop at sundown. Tate Modern’s late-night events will transform the space into a musical playground with back-to-back DJ sets and curated performances:
- Friday, May 10: The night celebrates South London’s creative community, headlined by Romy (of The xx) spinning a two-hour DJ set from 10pm to midnight. Earlier sets are curated by local institutions including Jumbi and Radiate.
- Saturday, May 11: The gallery’s Tanks space hosts a rare London set from BBC Radio 1’s DJ Jaguar, with support from Cultur FM, Daytimers, foundation.fm, Queer Bruk, and Crystallmess, showcasing a diverse range of sounds from Afrobeats to underground electronica.
3. Live Art, Installations, and Interactive Experiences
In addition to music and exhibitions, the weekend offers opportunities for creative participation and discovery. Highlights include:
- A reinstallation of Measuring the Universe, a participatory artwork that captures the height and presence of gallery visitors
- Drop-in workshops, talks, and art trails suitable for all ages
4. Pop-Up Shops and Lifetime Membership Offers
Visitors can browse a specially curated pop-up shop featuring merchandise inspired by Tate’s 25-year legacy. For dedicated art lovers, the gallery is offering Lifetime Memberships for a limited time—providing unlimited free access to future exhibitions over the next 25 years.
How to Attend: Entry, Tickets, and Planning
Many events across the celebration are free and open to the public on a drop-in basis. However, some popular sessions and performances may require advance booking. Visitors are encouraged to explore the full programme and reserve free tickets online via the Tate Modern website.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or just looking for a unique weekend experience in London, Tate Modern’s 25th anniversary party offers a rich mix of culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Final Thoughts
With free exhibitions, world-class DJs, and engaging art installations, Tate Modern’s 25th birthday is a standout event on London’s cultural calendar. It’s a perfect moment to reconnect with contemporary art or experience Tate Modern for the first time.
For more updates on cultural events, art exhibitions, and music festivals across the UK, stay tuned to HouseToMotive.com—your guide to what’s happening in style, sound, and space.
“After a night at the theatre, mark your calendar for another unmissable London event – Little Simz live at the O2 this October ahead of her new album ‘Lotus’.“
