We have been to check out Tate Liverpool as it reopens on the Albert Dock

It’s the good news art lovers have been waiting for – Tate Liverpool is back open after lockdown.

And with a new route to help guide visitors around the galleries, shop and cafe, it couldn’t be simpler or safer to discover three floors of world-class artworks.

So many of the exhibitions are free – you just need to book a time slot online, take a trip to the Royal Albert Dock and it’s all there to enjoy.

This summer’s all about making the most of the amazing sights and attractions we’ve got right here in our city, so here are 10 reasons why you should visit Tate Liverpool now it’s open again …

It’s free and easy to do!

Two of the most important things when you’re planning any day out are cost and hassle factor, and Tate Liverpool wins on both. All displays are free to view – you just need a timed-ticket – find them here – and it’s free and easy to book your time slot online. 

Booking means it won’t be overcrowded

The new pre-booking system ensures you won’t have to worry about social distancing anywhere in Tate Liverpool because numbers are carefully limited. Anyone visiting, including members, just needs to go online to choose and book your timed ticket which will give you access to the galleries, café and shop.

There are new measures in place to help keep everyone safe

Safety is a priority for anyone getting back out there after lockdown, and for the venues welcoming them. Visitors to Tate Liverpool can be reassured that there are some new safety measures including floor safety vinyls reminding them to keep a safe distance when exploring the galleries, a one-way route to take you around the gallery, and give access to toilets, the shop and cafe. There are front desk screens, hand sanitiser stations throughout the building and card or contactless payment. Anyone feeling unwell is asked to please book for another day, and visitors should avoid bringing bulky coats or bags because the cloakroom will be closed.

Face coverings aren’t a problem

Everyone visiting Tate Liverpool is asked to wear a face covering, but don’t worry if you forget because face masks are available to buy in the gift shop.

There’s so much art to see – and a great selfie opportunity!

There are lots of free exhibitions at Tate Liverpool now it’s reopened and that includes the Op Art (that’s short for optical art) display featuring Jim Lambie’s Zobop which is a colourful floor everyone loves getting a selfie with. This display has been extended, so if you missed out on viewing it before, you’ve still got time!

You’ll find modern art highlights

The Tate’s Constellations collection has been updated and visitors can enjoy an imaginative display of artworks by Henri Matisse, Max Ernst, Sarah Lucas, LS Lowry, Wassily Kandinsky and many more. Chris Ofili’s No Woman No Cry is a must-see and Michelangelo Pistoletto’s Venus of the Rags challenges us to think more about the throw-away culture we live in.

Be inspired by some big ideas

The Ideas Depot, which features works by artists including Picasso, Salvador Dali and Nicola Tyson, is another free exhibition that’s been extended. This one now runs until September 27. On the ground floor, where the route begins, there’s a new audio-visual installation by Mikhail Karikis, Ferocious Love, which looks at the climate crisis and whether it will bring us together or divide us.

And there’s more still to come …

Some exhibitions have been postponed, but new dates are already being planned. The Don McCullin exhibition will now begin on September 16 and others will be announced soon via the website here.

The café is back open too

Art isn’t the only attraction at the Tate, the food is fabulous too. There’s a new menu at the café – and some old favourites are still on the menu.

Tate Liverpool’s a great place for families

Although for safety reasons, it’s not currently giving out rocket backpacks, the Tate is still very family-friendly and all ages are always made to feel welcome. Don’t forget to include children on your ticket bookings, under-16s get into all special exhibitions free, there are baby-changing facilities and kids’ meals in the café. The Tate shop has lots of art materials and kids’ books too to keep them busy in the school holidays.