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Tate Modern's Tanks stand out as the world's first museum galleries permanently dedicated to live art, performance, installation, and film, carved from the former Bankside power station's oil storage tanks. These raw, 30-meter-wide subterranean spaces, over seven meters high, host groundbreaking programs that elevate ephemeral art to equal status with static collections. Since opening in 2012, they anchor Tate's commitment to "art in action," drawing global artists for site-specific works impossible elsewhere.
Top pursuits include the explosive Art in Action festival with mass-participatory film projections, hybrid live exhibitions blending festivals and installs, and residencies like Crystallmess's body-sculpture soundscapes. Navigate three interconnected chambers for immersive dance, light shows, and activist performances. Pair visits with Turbine Hall events for a full live art immersion.
Spring through fall offers optimal weather for riverside walks to Tate Modern, with indoor Tanks unaffected by rain. Expect free entry to the galleries, though reserve timed slots for key performances. Prepare for crowds during festivals by arriving early and using the Southwark or Blackfriars exits.
The Tanks foster a playful, participatory community where audiences co-create via film manipulation or responsive events, echoing London's activist art scene. Directors like Chris Dercon envisioned them as social play spaces, attracting performers from Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker to emerging DJs. Insiders linger post-show for unannounced encores in these intimate industrial voids.
Check Tate Modern's website or app for the latest Tanks programme schedule, as live events rotate frequently with commissions and residencies. Book free tickets online in advance for high-demand performances, available up to two weeks ahead. Time visits for weekends or evenings when interactive sessions peak, avoiding midday lulls.
Wear comfortable shoes for uneven industrial floors and layers for variable underground temperatures. Bring a charged phone for audio guides and filming select events, permitted in most cases. Arrive hydrated with snacks from the Turbine Hall cafe, as Tanks concessions are limited.