Tate Liverpool, We Salute You!

For more than 30 years Tate Liverpool has brought modern and contemporary art to the North, but that’s not all.

No stranger to being at the forefront of culture, Liverpool’s many museums and galleries are the home of amazing works of art. From the Impressionists to the Pre-Raphaelites, Imperial China, European Renaissance artwork, sculpture, fashion and more, but when it comes to modern and contemporary art, it has to be Tate Liverpool.

Based at Royal Albert Dock since 1988, Tate Liverpool is one of four Tate galleries, (two in London and one in Cornwall) and for the last 30 years, has brought British and international modern art to the North West for all to see. The beauty of a visit to Tate Liverpool is that you don’t have to ‘get’ art to enjoy a wander around the galleries. Free to enter with an on-site café and gift shop plus learning space, Tate Liverpool gives visitors the opportunity to make up their own minds about the ever changing exhibitions.

MORE: Get the latest news from Liverpool’s museums and galleries here.

Former Turner Prize host venue, Tate Liverpool is an internationally respected space which makes modern art accessible to all. If you’re yet to visit, here’s a handful of reasons why we love this cultural jewel of the waterfront.

Tate Liverpool, we salute you, here’s why…..

1 – Cultural Kick Starter

Did you know that Tate Liverpool was key player in the regeneration of the Royal Albert Dock? Opening its doors in May 1988, Tate joined the likes of the Merseyside Maritime Museum and a handful of shops and cafes to become the cultural hot spot it is today. Complete with its own mountain! See what else is on at Royal Albert Dock Liverpool here.

2 – Slow Looking

Photo: © Rikard Österlund

Did you know that on average, we spend just 8 seconds looking at a piece of art? Tate Liverpool wants to change that and invites you to learn the skill of slow looking. Put your phone on silent, lose track of time and spend a little longer making a connection with your favourite pieces. See how the light reflects on a sculpture, any smaller details in a painting, how a sound installation makes you feel. More tips on slow looking here.

3 – Legends

Keith Haring

If you’re already a big art fan you can’t fail to be bowled over by the who’s who at Tate Liverpool. Hirst, Riley, Warhol, Kandinsky, Perry, Lowry and of course that stunning Jim Lambie ‘Zoobop’ Op Art gallery floor which is a must-see. Keith Haring joins the list of exhibitors this June – see what’s happening here.

4 – Family Fun

There is always a free, family fun activity on offer at Tate Liverpool. Head to the Clore Learning space and have fun taking pictures at the Dream Screen or check out the Zig Zag puzzles. There’s also regular craft sessions, free rocket backpacks loaded with activities and there’s space on the ground floor for buggies, lockers for bags, the whole gallery is breastfeeding friendly and kids eat free (see t&c’s) in the café. More here.

MORE: Get the latest Culture news for Liverpool here

5 – Autism Friendly

The Tate Liverpool team work hard to ensure the gallery is accessible and fun for everyone. There are autism friendly measures such as ear defenders and quiet spaces available and there’s Autism Friendly sessions on the first Saturday of each month too. More on accessibility here.

6 – Constellations

Tate Liverpool’s main aim is to bring modern art, both British and international, to the North West. Constellations is a forever changing collection that showcases the best, most intriguing artwork and links them together in new and interesting ways. From post-war America to the Lowry factories of the north and the pop art scene bursting out of New York. There’s bound to be something you like the look of at Tate Liverpool.

7 – Eat

Tate Liverpool Café is a gift in itself. Beautifully decorated in the dazzle ferry design made famous by Sir Peter Blake, hot and cold food is made with locally sourced ingredients, and from scratch every day. Plus the view across the dock makes this a fabulous place to grab a coffee and watch the world go by.

MORE: See what’s on at Liverpool’s Museums and Galleries here

8 – Gift Shop Goodies

We LOVE the Tate Liverpool gift shop. Selling everything from books to pencil sharpeners, artwork to tote bags, this Albert Dock gem is a great place to pick up a memento from your visit or a gift for someone special. Logo stationery is cheap enough for a pocket money treat too!

To find out more about what’s on at Tate Liverpool in the coming months and to buy your special exhibition tickets, head to www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-liverpool and follow @tateliverpool on social media for regular updates.