Opening date of Tate Liverpool pushed back as update issued

Tate Liverpool will remain closed until 2027 as work to renovate the art gallery continues. The modern art museum at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool city centre closed its doors on October 16, 2023 for a £29.7m refurbishment, which a spokesperson at the time said would take until 2025.

However, the gallery's director Helen Legg told media on a visit to the site today that it will remain closed until 2027, but the budget will remain the same. A spokesperson for Tate told the ECHO construction will complete in 2026 and the plan is to reopen in 2027, with an exact date provided nearer the time.

So far, contractors Gilbert Ash have stripped out the building's aged infrastructure and revealed more of the Victorian warehouse's character. This work has brought more natural light into the building and opened up new views over the River Mersey that have never been accessible to the public before. Alongside this, full renovation of the roof has included improvements to the insulation, lead sheeting, joinery, windows and guttering.

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Work will now begin to establish a new art hall on the ground floor. Gallery spaces over a further three floors will be reorientated to give new panoramic views of the River Mersey. The work will also address critical infrastructure challenges and will end the gallery's reliance on fossil fuels, removing gas boilers and using an all-electric operation.

About the progress made so far, Ms Legg said: "We're delighted to see the new vision for Tate Liverpool beginning to unfold as we reveal more of the Victorian brick walls and open up the former warehouse's deep spaces and riverside views.

"When visitors return, they will be able to enjoy the amazing atmosphere of this historic building, reconnecting with the heritage and history of the site, while enjoying improved access to the full breadth of the national collection."

Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: "This transformation will be a bold reimagining of one of our region's most iconic landmarks and it's fantastic to see up close the vision for Tate Liverpool as it starts to take shape.

"When complete, I'm confident it will continue to offer visitors a world-class cultural experience, with stunning views across our famous river Mersey and spaces that beautifully blend the gallery's rich history with a modern, vibrant future. It's a real milestone for the Liverpool City Region, reinforcing our position as a powerhouse for culture and creativity."

Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said: "The transformation of Tate Liverpool will be invaluable to the region, supporting the cultural regeneration of the North West and reconnecting visitors with the building's history.

"I'm thrilled that with the support of £6.6 million from the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund, the heritage of this cultural venue will be protected, whilst ensuring the building is fit for future generations to visit and enjoy."

Kim Johnson MP for Liverpool Riverside said: "Tate Liverpool is a key cultural landmark that plays a vital role in our city's artistic and economic life, showcasing our rich creative heritage to the world. Having an internationally renowned institution right here in Liverpool is always a source of pride, and this redevelopment helps ensure its legacy continues to inspire many generations to come."