Concrete details from the opening of Tate Modern extension, The Switch House, in London

Tate Members got the chance to visit the new extension the London’s Tate Modern tonight. These photos are of details of the interior of the building, which if you are a fan of Brutalist / concrete  / industrial architecture, tick all the boxes :)

The new building is ten-storeys on top of The Tanks – the world’s first gallery spaces dedicated to live art, film and installations – its height responding to the chimney of the existing Tate Modern building which was originally designed as a power station by Giles Gilbert Scott in the 1950s. Its twisting, pyramid-like shape will be a memorable addition to London’s skyline and will offer 60% extra space for visitors to explore. (Tate website)

There is a person in the picture below leaning out over one of the building’s interior balconies.

Looking down a stairwell to the curved seating on one of the new floors of the Switch House building.

People looking over one of the interior balconies that are part of the staircases.

Looking down over a balcony to the seating below. I think they’ve done a  great job with the building; it feels airy – despite all the concrete – with lots of public feeling space to pause in (a bit like the Royal Festival Hall, also on the Southbank).

The ceiling of the spiral staircase with neon lights.

I liked that a some of the original industrial features / detailing was left in place.

An interior view through the brick mesh that makes up the exterior of the building.

More info
Special opening weekend of the New Tate Modern: 17 – 19 June 2016
Tate Modern
Bankside
London
SE1 9TG