10 reasons why you should visit Tate Liverpool now it’s reopen

Tate Liverpool is open! We can’t wait to visit one of the City’s best loved attractions to see some art.

There’s always something new to see and do at the gallery – here’s 10 things to help you plan your visit this summer.

1.Tate Liverpool is home to the nation’s collection of modern and contemporary art which means there are hundreds of paintings, drawings and sculptures to enjoy in the gallery’s collection displays … and they’re free to view. 

Installation view of Democracies at Tate Liverpool December 2020–September 2022 © Gareth Jones.

2.You can pre-book your free tickets online now via the website here.  Pre-booking is for track and trace purposes and it will also help you get into the gallery quickly.

3.The 11^th edition of Liverpool Biennial, the UK’s largest festival of contemporary art, is in the gallery until June 21. visitors can see new work by Jamaican-born artist Ebony G. Patterson featuring sculptures and an eye-catching wallpaper, as well as works by other prominent feminist artists including Linder, Judy Chicago and Jutta Koether. Also on display is Estonian artist Anu Põder’s set of sculptures Tongues 1998, which are cast in soap – one will melt in water over the course of the exhibition.

Installation view of Aliza Nisenbaum at Tate Liverpool December 2020 – June 2021 © Gareth Jones.

4.Portraits of Merseyside’s NHS staff who have worked tirelessly to keep Liverpool safe during the pandemic are on display in the ground floor gallery. Painted by artist Aliza Nisenbaum, the keyworkers sat for their portraits via Zoom due to Covid restrictions.

Don McCullin – Liverpool 8 circa 1970

5.The fabulous photography exhibition by Sir Don McCullin has been extended until September 5 so there’s more time to see incredible photos of Liverpool, the industrial north and international conflict taken by one of the greatest photographers of our time.  You’ll need a paid ticket to see this one, bookable online now, which also gives you access to all the gallery’s free displays.

Bacon and egg bap at Tate Liverpool. Photo: Nykeith Lee Visuals.

6.Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are back on at Tate Liverpool’s café! With outdoor and indoor seating, you can make the most of fantastic views over the Albert Dock while you eat. The café uses the best locally-sourced ingredients and it has a great range of local craft ales and ciders too.

Colours of Liverpool range available at Tate Liverpool.

7.No visit to Tate Liverpool is complete without going to the shop where you’ll find gifts, books, and beautiful art prints for half price for a limited time.

8.Tate Liverpool’s family room is open and it’s a great space to take a breather on your visit with little ones.

Installation view of Democracies at Tate Liverpool December 2020–September 2022 © Gareth Jones.

9.Last but definitely not least, a brand-new exhibition of master of modern portraiture Lucian Freud comes to the gallery in July. You can book tickets for Lucian Freud Real Lives now and see paintings, etchings and photographs featuring some of his most recognised sitters.

10.Opening in July you’ll be able to see the work of Louise Bourgeois. Recognised as one of the most important figures in modern and contemporary art, her work ranges from large-scale sculpture and installation to painting and printmaking.