Tate Modern is to build on the success of its “Tate Lates” events by staying open until 9pm every Friday and Saturday.
The giant art gallery has been among major venues struggling to attract visitors back since the pandemic, with attendance levels last year 25 per cent below 2019 figures.
But it still attracted 4.6 million visitors last year, making it the world’s most popular modern art museum.
Now it has announced that it will remain open until 9pm every Friday and Saturday from September 26.
Normally Tate Modern closes at 6pm.
This follows the record number of young visitors to its 25th birthday weekend, which attracted more than 76,000 people in three days, 70 per cent of whom were under 35.
It also builds on the success of Tate Modern Lates, the ongoing series of specially curated evening events held at the end of each month. These have attracted more than 750,000 people since launching in 2016.
City Hall said the extended weekend opening hours would boost the vibrancy of London’s night-time cultural offering, amid ongoing criticism that central London “closes too early”.
Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan said: “Tate Modern has transformed London’s cultural landscape, and I’m thrilled the museum will now stay open later every Friday and Saturday, giving even more Londoners and visitors the chance to enjoy world-class art after hours.”
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Karin Hindsbo, director of Tate Modern, said: “Over the last decade, Tate Modern Lates have become a cornerstone of London’s nightlife.
“They have proven the huge demand for access to our galleries outside of regular hours, especially among young Londoners who want to make the most of their city's dynamic cultural scene.
“I’m delighted that Tate Modern will soon be open late every Friday and Saturday evening, making the world’s most popular modern art museum even more accessible."
Tate Modern hosted Labour’s 2024 general election victory party and was also the venue chosen by Sir Sadiq to set out his plans for his third mayoral term after being re-elected last year.
Justine Simons, deputy mayor for culture, said: “Tate Lates have been a stellar success so it’s brilliant news that we can all now enjoy a night at the gallery every Friday and Saturday.
“London’s nightlife is central to our success as a global creative capital - including world class art after hours.”
Alongside the extension of Tate Modern’s opening hours, the gallery’s regular Lates will continue to be held at the end of each month.
Offering a special programme of artist talks, creative workshops, film screenings, live music and DJ sets, Tate Modern Lates make art accessible to the widest possible audience and put social engagement at the heart of the museum.
Memorable events over the last decade include performances from Trisha Brown Dance Company, London Symphony Orchestra and singer-songwriter Celeste.
In August last year, award-winning rapper, singer and actress Little Simz guest-curated a Tate Modern Late, with a record-breaking 18,500 people visiting the gallery in one evening.
The latest Tate Modern Lates is being held this evening Friday, July 25, from 6pm, with free talks, activities and music inspired by the work of Australian artist Emily Kam Kngwarray.
