Tate Modern: Oil Tanks Opening

Step into Tate Modern's spectacular new Oil Tanks art space, part of the gallery's exciting new building development.

Oil Tanks Open at Tate Modern

Tate Modern is implementing phase one of its massive expansion project this summer, with the opening of the new Oil Tanks art space.

Tate Modern's oil tanks have lain unused since the former power station was turned into a world-famous art gallery. Now the massive industrial chambers are being transformed into a new art space.

The Oil Tanks are circular and measure 30 metres in width by seven metres in height – making them unique, unusual spaces to showcase art and hold live performances and events. Further new art spaces will include two raw concrete galleries and a unique, steel-lined gallery.

The launch of the Tate Oil Tanks is part of the London 2012 Festival, marking the end of the Cultural Olympiad.

Oil Tanks: New Art Spaces

Tate Modern's new Oil Tanks will be the first museum galleries dedicated to exhibiting live art, performance, installation and film. During the opening festival:

• The East Tank will be home to a new commission by Korean artist Sung Hwan Kim, who combines video and performance art, collecting images from his homes in Seoul, Amsterdam and New York
• In the South Tank there'll be a rolling series of performance, film, presentations and debates; work by young people; and two mass participation events involving sound, performance and film
• The Transformer Galleries, the raw concrete galleries next to the tanks, will feature film and performance, including Suzanne Lacy's Crystal Quilt, an exploration of older women in the media

Phase two of Tate Modern's development and the completion of the new building is expected by 2016. This second stage will add further floors, giving Tate Modern a total of 70% more space.