Tate Modern: first look on its new extension

The new emblematic building on the Southbank is the new extension of one of the most famous contemporary art museums in the world of, Tate Modern. After 15 years of existence, countless exhibitions and a fame that surpassed the expectations, Switch House, a 64 meters high tower near the Turbine Hall, the original space of the museum, was opened at the end of July.

As contemporary art has changed dramatically in the last twenty-five years or so, the new building’s slogan is wrote large and high on the riverside facade: "Art Changes, We change".

The new Tate’s story began many years ago. The first discussions about increasing the space occupied by the museum began right after its opening in 2000. Subsequently the idea was abandoned but resumed in 2004. The building bears the signature of Swiss architects Herzog Meurin, who designed a tower that would complement the former factory occupied by the museum. The new Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, standing in one of the galleries, declared that: "London is the art capital of the world and Tate Modern is our crown jewel."

For the official opening of the new extension, the organizers planned a 3day free program and invited a number of artists to support performances in the museum's new space.

As overall Director of Tate galleries, Sir Nicholas Serota had expected just 2 million visitors. Free to entry, they got 5 million; with the Switch House opening, they expect that to rise to 6 million. “We need more space for people and more space to show new forms of art. Art has become more participative, in the sense of grabbing hold of the viewer and embracing them," he explains.