Tate Modern vs National Gallery
Quick answer
London's modern powerhouse on the South Bank versus Trafalgar Square's free Old Master collection. World Museum Guide compares admission, highlights, and time needed side by side — both Tate Modern and The National Gallery have full visitor guides below.
London, United Kingdom
Tate Modern
✓ Free standard admission; charges for special exhibitions
⏱ 2–3 hours
London, United Kingdom
The National Gallery
✓ Free standard admission
⏱ 2–3 hours
Side by side
| Tate Modern | The National Gallery | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | London, United Kingdom | London, United Kingdom |
| Museum type | Modern & Contemporary Art | Art Museum |
| Admission | Free | Free |
| Free entry | Permanent collection always free · Special exhibitions ticketed | Always free — permanent collection entirely free · Temporary exhibitions ticketed |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Closed | — | — |
| Standout works | The Snail; CAPITAL | The Arnolfini Portrait; The Virgin of the Rocks |
| Good for | Art Lovers, Contemporary Art, Families, First-timers | Art Lovers, First-timers, Families, History Enthusiasts |
Facts from our verified data file (last verified 2026-06-30) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.
Choose Tate Modern if…
Choose Tate Modern for Picasso, Dalí, Rothko Turbine Hall commissions, and Thames views.
Choose The National Gallery if…
Choose the National Gallery for Van Eyck, Leonardo, Turner, and free admission — 2 hours for highlights.
Visiting both
Walk the Thames path between them (30 min) for a full day of contrasting collections.