> Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/compare/tate-modern-vs-national-gallery-london/ — updated 2026-09-25. Markdown mirror generated at build time from the same content as the HTML page. Title: Tate Modern vs National Gallery — Which Should You Visit?

# Tate Modern vs National Gallery: which should you visit?

## Quick answer

Choose Tate Modern for Picasso, Dalí, Rothko Turbine Hall commissions, and Thames views. Choose the National Gallery for Van Eyck, Leonardo, Turner, and free admission — 2 hours for highlights. Tate Modern: Free, allow 2–3 hours; The National Gallery: Free, allow 2–3 hours.

[![Tate Modern](https://worldmuseumguide.org/images/tate-modern.webp) London, United Kingdom Tate Modern ✓ Free standard admission; charges for special exhibitions ⏱ 2–3 hours](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/tate-modern/) · [![The National Gallery](https://worldmuseumguide.org/images/national-gallery-london.webp) London, United Kingdom The National Gallery ✓ Free standard admission ⏱ 2–3 hours](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-gallery-london/)

## 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 | Collection always free (no booking needed) · Exhibitions ticketed · Up to 4 under-12s free per adult at exhibitions · £5 exhibition tickets for 16–25s via Tate Collective | General admission always free · Free timed ticket optional for fast-track entry · Some 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 2026-09-25) — confirm on each museum's official site before travelling.

## Should I visit Tate Modern or The National Gallery?

### 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.

## Can you visit both Tate Modern and The National Gallery in one day?

Walk the Thames path between them (30 min) for a full day of contrasting collections.

[Tate Modern guide →](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/tate-modern/) [The National Gallery guide →](https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/national-gallery-london/)