Turner Contemporary art gallery in Margate is named after J.M.W Turner (1775-1851). The famous English landscape artist spent some of his formative years in Margate creating a series of drawings of the town and surrounding landscapes which laid the foundation for his later work.
The building was designed by English architect, Sir David Chipperfield, and the £17.5 million project was intended as a catalyst for regeneration in the Margate seafront zone. The scheme is supported by Tracey Emin, who was raised in Margate, and opened the gallery on April the 16th, 2011.
The gallery exhibits art work from Great Britain and Europe from 1750 to present, including contemporary art from British artists.
Opening Times
The Turner Contemporary is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
The gallery is closed on Mondays, apart from bank holiday Mondays.
Entrance Fees
Free entry.
Exhibitions at Turner Contemporary are free for all to enjoy. The gallery runs a rolling programme of workshops and events but relies on donations to support all of its projects.
Getting There
Address: Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent CT9 1HG
Tel: + 44 (0) 1843 233000
Email: info@turnercontemporary.org
By Train
The nearest train station to Turner Contemporary is Margate station, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD (approx. 1 km).
Southeastern run high speed trains from London St Pancras and Stratford International every hour which take under 90 minutes to Margate station. There are also mainline trains from London Victoria, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and London Bridge, but will take a little longer.
A limited number of Eurostar trains stop at Ashford International which can connect with trains to Margate (journey time approximately 20 to 40 minutes).
By Car
Margate is only a 90 minute drive from Central London. Exit junction number 2 of the M25, take the A2, M2, A299, and 128 to reach Margate.
The gallery only has onsite disabled parking (seven spaces) on the piazza at the front of the gallery. These spaces are signposted. The seafront piazza is for pedestrians and cyclists only and must be kept clear at all times for the RNLI lifeboat in case of emergencies.
There is on-street parking near the gallery (on the Harbour Arm next to the gallery, charges apply), as well as pay and display car parks close by:
College Square (Morrison’s multi storey) CT9 1QA
Trinity Square CT9 1HR.