Tate Liverpool - A beautiful gallery full of contemporary art What is Tate Liverpool? Tate Liverpool is an art gallery that is located in the heart of Liverpool. They hold a number of exhibitions, festivals and displays that take place throughout the year. Exhibitions JMW Turner with Lamin Fofana: Dark Waters This Exhibition presents JMW Turner’s work in a new immersive way with music created by Lamin Fofana. Turners artwork is truly incredible in transporting us to the seas. It features beautiful details of ships and breath taking landscapes. In addition, the music brings the works to life and adds a sprinkle of magic. It was also relatable in the issues that they represented and this included the power and politics of the ocean. They also focused on the dangers of the waters around the British Coast. This was done with simplicity and style. However most of the artwork were of ships and boats. I would have loved to have seen some variety in the works such as including people or conveying their body language in the artworks. It would also have been more engaging if there was some video footage or to have a interactive element included too. Ideas Depot The Ideas Depot is a dynamic collection of artwork that is chosen with primary school children that is designed to be enjoyed by everyone no matter what their age is. This was one of the highlights of the visit as it had an eclectic collection of artwork that was unique and eye-catching. Some used everyday kitchen utensils to create a piece of art that was exciting. Some of the artwork that caught my eye was a camera that took the same scene in different angles, a staircase that was quirky and more. It was engaging and it makes you appreciate art in new ways. The Liverpool Biennial It was the biggest collection of artwork where it is created using objects that you use on a regular basis. Some that stood out and were intriguing was a chair made out of beads and a piece that was made out of cuscus. Incredible. It is contemporary art at its best and it uses your imagination in mindboggling ways. Entry and Pricing Entry to the collections at Tate Liverpool is free of charge. In relation to the special exhibitions then you are required to book a timed slot and pay online. For further details then check out the Tate Liverpool website. Facilities Tate Liverpool has a café that serves a selection of sandwiches and hot meals. They also offer hot and cold drinks too. It is on the pricey side. An alternative is the food and drink vans near the Docks to which you can sit down to eat whilst enjoying the lovely views. Toilets are on site. Lighting and Access Lighting at the JMW Turner Exhibition was OK but was not great as some aspects were done in dim lighting. Despite this we overcome the challenge to the best of my ability. The lighting in the collections was decent and I could see most of the artwork which helped me to enjoy my experience here. In relation to access at Tate Liverpool there are stairs and lifts to all floors so if you have mobility issues then use the lifts as it would be easier to navigate. Parking Tate Liverpool does not have its own designated car park however there is plenty of pay and display parking near the Docks and Museum. Payment is required even if you have a Blue Badge. If you love contemporary art that is engaging and fun that plays with your mind and senses then Tate Liverpool is the place for you.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

So first time in Liverpool and my friend wanted to do the Tate as she’d done the one in London. I love art and get a lot of out it, being slightly autistic (high functioning) I can see things from a different perspective. Having said that, some of the floors were closed due to the setting up of an exhibition. Some of the art could not be called art! An orange square stuck to the wall is not art ‍♂️ This was my first time at any Tate gallery and I was really looking forward to it but was very disappointed. The staff presented as rushed, busy and not very friendly or welcoming so would be unsure about attending another Tate Gallery in future.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
No

The galleries of the Tate are so well laid out. On this visit there were a number of pieces that were lighted to display the shadows of the pieces, adding a different dimension. We were lucky to talk to a Tate employee in the 4th floor gallery who explained to us how the piece we were looking at was constructed. That made the experience so much more enjoyable. Hard to believe it's free to view most of the galleries. The Tate also has a cafe which serves really good food. Another great feature is the availability of free lockers. This was really helpful, as we were headed to the train from there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Don’t get me wrong, I love the Tate Modern at Liverpool. It makes you think and has an eclectic range of carefully chosen pieces to really challenge your perceptions, but it is closed at the moment and has ‘moved’ around the corner, temporarily. There is a shop and café, but the exhibition space is tiny and given over to an architectural themed exhibition in a couple of small rooms. There was also a breakout room with some activities for kids but nothing else to see unless there was and no-one was pointing me In the right direction or signposting it to me. I came to Liverpool to see the Tate in its temporary home and left very confused and disappointed.
Visited on
Weekend

My son’s opinion follows…. Lots of Morden art that I couldn’t really understand. It was a good little stop from the cold outside and didn’t really plan to stay long. We looked downstairs and saw this Morden art. Upstairs was all kind of art 3D 2D and most of it was hilariously random. We walked into a room that said family’s welcome and drew a picture and made a tower with bricks. We didn’t really plan for the visit to be that long but in the end was very fun. The only bad thing is I couldn’t understand most of the art. It was free for most of it.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Tate Liverpool is a great space and well worth a visit (or more as it’s free!) It’s in a good location on the Royal Albert Dock with easy access for pushchairs and wheelchairs etc although on my visit today the lift down to the toilets was broken. The Reception has free lockers which was really handy to leave our bags whilst we explored the free exhibitions. It was surprisingly quiet today (Thursday morning) but that meant that we could get close to the exhibition pieces and there was no queueing. I would definitely visit again!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Visited the Tate on the Albert Dock while on a day trip (1st April) to Liverpool Paid £10 x 2 to see the Turner exhibition that is currently on. Some interesting pieces of art by Turner but not as much as I would have hoped and missing the more famous/key works by Turner; so at £10 a bit expensive for what you get The rest of the open (free) exhibits were not really noteworthy but the odd interesting pieces. 4th floor is currently shut The cafe here is very good, the food and drink is excellent. Managed to get a seat relatively easily, but the cafe soon fills up

On point: Liverpool Tate Museum visited this location numerous times, and each time I learned something new and found its history to be fascinating. Lots of information, pleasant employees, a warm, well-kept building, and accurate information for every item. Everybody who wants to see history should go to this museum.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Tate Liverpool has quickly become one of my favourite locations to visit in the city. There's so much to see, and it seems like there's never enough time. Stop over for a couple hours of brilliant art appreciation before a lovely meal or after a walk around Royal Albert Dock.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

There are a lot of worthy exhibits. As is usual in modern art, without descriptions not much would be clear, but the writing is very decent and really makes you see the meanings behind the clutter of objects. Picasso and Dalí are modestly neighboring with the most daring exhibits.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Well what can I say. I am not really an art person but we thought why not take a look around the free displays. There are some amazing pieces of art here. I felt very inspired whilst walking around. I don't want to give to much away but head up to the top floor exhibition and experience was amazing. Head down and take a nice walk around you will love it. I did.

The northern part of the well-known Tate. It’s interesting to see modern art of different years. You can find Dali as well. But it’s small gallery. Only two floors were working and they are free, which is pleasant. One more exhibition is paid. Overall it’s good, but not so many mind-taking works.

Interesting art (at least some of it!). I’m happy to see a couple of things which impact me and gloss over the rest Staff good. Building good. Cafe good (usually). I enjoy visiting. (Bit sad it’s scheduled to close for a makeover).
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

Excellent entry that can't quite measure up to its larger London siblings Tate Modern and Tate Britain. Easy to comfortably see the permanent collection and special exhibits in a single day. Cafe was pleasant but did not have any lunch options on offer. Gift shop is interesting.

Worthwhile visit when in Liverpool. The exhibit was interesting and had some very unique installations. The staff were very willing to help and I found all to be very friendly and polite. Best of all you can visit for free!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

I had an amazing experience at Tate Liverpool and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. The museum is located in a beautiful converted warehouse in the heart of Liverpool's historic Albert Dock area, making it a truly unique and inspiring space to explore.

There were some very interesting pieces, and I really appreciated the lift as so many stairs can be tiring. It is free as well, which is great for when you are travelling on a budget.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

On the Liverpool Quay, free entrance (but please do donate) It was a great visit for our daughter, who is into her ARTS. It was a great day out, so many interesting art works
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

A must visit in albert dock in liverpool. Its free for entry unless you are destined for some paid exhibitions. It is open till 5.50 pm in the afternoon so taht you can keep this for last after visiting all attractions which generally closes within 5 pm.

went for Liverpool Biennial 2023, one of spectator's mobile phone was making a very loud sound, the staff was very responsible and immediately stopped the spectator politely.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Tate Liverpool is small so they rotate their stuff quite frequently. Exhibitions in London sometimes get redone in Liverpool. So it’s good for visit, revisit, and revisit. Easy access to neighbouring museums and the Dock.

AMAZING! Shows more modern art, and the art often reflects on current situations! Very busy within, but always worth a visit to see the latest exhibition. The shop also contains a lot of great, affordable things to buy.

Wide variety of art on display over multiple floors. Lovely & interesting place to visit. Free to enter and can pay if you wish to enter the special exhibitions. Visited when the Turner exhibition was on, well worth it.

Tate Liverpool is a popular annual destination for our art and photography school trips. Visually stunning - inside and out.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Interesting art gallery with lots of contemporary art pieces. The shop near the entrance is definitely worth to pay a visit, with plenty of good stuff with locally made and design.

Great exhibitions and excellent staff. I was there to meet someone and enjoyed the visit. I hardly visit the Tate, because I'm busy with work. Very inspiring work.

Really lovely art museum with a Picasso original (Girl in a Chemise). It is free entry and the staff are kind
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

Great place, a good variety of work, it's free and not overwhelmingly large
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No

I had a wonderful time at this amazing Art Gallery.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Always full of great art! Specially the exhibitions with international up and coming artists