Tate Liverpool announces temporary closure ahead of £29.7m ‘transformation’

Building on the achievements of the last 35 years, Tate Liverpool is preparing to temporarily close to embark on a bold capital project to renew the gallery.

The gallery will hold a celebratory weekend on 14 and 15 October before the ‘landmark’ building on Royal Albert Dock closes its doors to undergo a major reimagining. The transformed gallery will reopen in 2025.

Although the building at the Royal Albert Dock will be closed for the transformation work from 16 October, Tate Liverpool will move into the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North, Mann Island from 27 October 2023.

Established in 1988, Tate Liverpool helped create a blueprint for a wave of new galleries across the UK. The gallery has attracted more than 20 million visitors since 1988 and is the most visited modern and contemporary art gallery outside London.

Tate Liverpool is now working with 6a architects to reimagine the gallery spaces to meet the scale and ambition of today’s artists and to welcome visitors into a brand-new museum environment for the 21st century. The designs show a new public ‘Art Hall’ and events space on the ground floor, opened up to admit sunlight and views across the historic dock.

New gallery spaces over three floors will showcase the incredible diversity of Tate’s collection and are interspersed with public riverside foyers. The opening up of the Gallery’s façade will increase its visibility on the waterfront and within the Royal Albert Dock creating an inviting destination with striking spaces for learning, play, and relaxation.

Helen Legg, Director, Tate Liverpool, commented: “After 35 years of success in Liverpool and 20 million visitors, the time is right to invest in the next phase of the gallery. We want to do even more for our visitors, our city, and for art by transforming this utterly unique gallery complex.

“Whilst we are embracing renewal, we are determined to retain and celebrate the world-class heritage of this remarkable 180-year building, whilst at the same time addressing today’s urgent demands for equality of access, energy-efficiency, and flexible spaces for future generations.”

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, added: “Tate Liverpool opened in 1988 as a promise to the North to bring the best of Tate’s collection to new audiences. 35 years later there is an enormous amount to feel proud of, but as Liverpool continues to evolve, so must Tate.

“We are now investing in our building so Tate Liverpool can welcome the widest range of local, national and international visitors as part of a revitalised waterfront. Brilliant art and artists will be at the heart of a world class experience that is free for everyone to enjoy.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →