Bankside Power Station
Museum Former London power station now housing Tate Modern
Former power station on the south Bank of the Thames repurposed as Tate Modern; visitors come for the Turbine Hall, contemporary art installations and riverside walks toward the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s.
Bankside Power Station is the decommissioned power station on the south bank of the River Thames in central London whose building now houses the Tate Modern. The turbine hall and former industrial spaces were repurposed to create a large modern art museum.
The site is notable for its large internal Turbine Hall space that is used for major temporary installations and for its location close to the Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral across the river. The building is a prominent Thames-side landmark and part of the modern cultural redevelopment of Bankside.
Originally built and operated as a thermal power station, the facility was taken out of power generation and later adapted for cultural use. The conversion transformed industrial spaces into galleries while retaining much of the building’s external character.
Bankside Power Station sits on Bankside in central London on the south bank of the Thames, immediately downstream of the City of London and adjacent to pedestrian links across the river.
- Current use: The former power station building was converted to house the Tate Modern art gallery, which opened in 2000.
How to Get to Bankside Power Station #
Bankside is on the south bank of the Thames near the Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge. It is a short walk from Blackfriars, Southwark, and London Bridge stations; several bus routes and the riverboat services also serve Bankside piers.
Tips for Visiting Bankside Power Station #
- Explore the Thames riverside pathway to the south of the complex for perspectives that include St. Paul's and the Shard in a layered skyline composition.
- If visiting after office hours, note that the building's riverside walkways and viewing terraces can be busier with locals and photographers.
- Pair a visit with a stroll across the Millennium Bridge to experience the neighborhood's architectural contrasts.
Best Time to Visit Bankside Power Station #
Urban industrial landmark - accessible year-round. Riversides are best visited in milder months for walking.
Weather & Climate near Bankside Power Station #
Bankside Power Station's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (651 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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