Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: great (13) gallery (12) space (11) visit (10) Margate (10) exhibition (8) shop (8) local (6) room (6)
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  • 4/5 Ella H. 2 years ago on Google
    It’s a nice place to visit in Margate and it’s a really interesting building. I wasn’t too impressed by what was in there though - the building itself is huge but the exhibitions are quite small. They had a selection of works by local artists which I enjoyed even though you have to search for online information/ a booklet to find any information (even the artists name)
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 James Stephen M. 1 year ago on Google
    The building itself is great; the exhibition's can be mixed. Seems to be focusing on social engineering at the moment: when an artist spends more time explaining his art than on making it got have got to worry.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shadow C. 2 years ago on Google
    A fantastic art gallery and wonderful resource for the town. It's free to enter, which makes it very accessible and allows for long or short visits, as you feel. The exhibitions are innovative and provocative. Although the exhibition space isn't as big as the galleries in London (for instance), it punches well above its weight. A must visit if you're in Margate.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eugene C. 2 years ago on Google
    Just been to see the excellent 'Turner Contemporary Open' exhibition. What a brilliant showcase of the wealth of artistic talent in the local area. Such a variety of interesting and challenging works and excellently curated by four local organizations that bring their own unique slant to the chosen pieces. The gallery staff are always so friendly and welcoming and the spacious interiors are perfect for showcasing art....not to mention the stunning views out to sea. Keep up the fantastic work and if you are thinking of visiting the area do not miss this brilliant art exhibition.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Joy G. 1 year ago on Google
    Unfortunately the gallery was between exhibitions so we didn't see much art but the staff were friendly and though the attached shop was small it was open plan and easy to access even in my wheelchair. Outside there is easy access with a ramp to the big entrance doors. There is an outside installation by Anthony gormley called another time but if the tide is in be aware its submerged.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jack B. 1 year ago on Google
    it feels unusual seeing this geometric block stand so close to the beach, partly because most of Margate's architecture is Victorian and of other eras. Internally there is huge amounts of space which combines well with the large windows facing the north sea. I've been a few times and have always enjoyed what's exhibiting from Turner's work to local artists.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt C. 2 years ago on Google
    Actually had a great afternoon in the gallery. I came here to show my daughter something different and she had a great time. The gaming room in particular was right up my street.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sagar H. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm not a very big gallery visitor but would highly recommend this one! A lot of the gallery explores race very uniquely and accessibly, also includes a history of video games with the chance to play all consoles, a great shop full of great souvenirs and also a contemporary section too. Free entry also!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pandora M. 8 months ago on Google
    Fantastic gallery in a marvellous location looking over Margate beach. Great exhibition on when we visited. Nice shop too with postcards and art books👍No need to book as FREE entry😀
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monika P. 11 months ago on Google
    Always a pleasure to visit. Beautifully positioned with a great view into the sea and Antony Gormley’s sculpture. It’s small but big enough to enjoy contemporary art. Great area for kids to play and enjoy some craft. There are lockers if you want to store your beach paraphernalia (you must visit the beach). A nd the coffee downstairs is delicious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron H. 8 months ago on Google
    What a unique and distinctive space , with a fabulous collection and beautiful architecture, the cafe and kids room are amazing - worth a visit !

  • 5/5 Rachael L. 4 months ago on Google
    Fantastic space full of beautiful art. Staff are friendly and thoughtful, they held the door open for me with my pram without me asking. The art space on the second floor is great for babies - toddler and young children! It’s my go to whenever I’m in Margate, it’s free and the view is great, there are books and toys for the children to play with. The baby changing facilities are the best, I’ve used a lot and these are spacious, designed for parents and babies, there are 2 and clean. The food in the cafe is great, the view is sensational and there is always a great gluten free cake option if they’re not already gone! Looking forward to our next visit.

  • 5/5 Brenzini M. 8 months ago on Google
    The Turner Contemporary Gallery is a lovely place to visit. The staff were helpful and friendly. The environment was chilled and relaxing. It's worth a visit. Three of my favourite pieces viewed.

  • 4/5 Khalid A. 7 months ago on Google
    The place to go to for art lovers, last chance to see Beatriz Milhazes exhibition which ends on the 10 of September 2023. It is a squeaky clean venue, well organised, cheerful and cultural. Make sure to have a word with the available staff, they have a wealth of information on everything arty. Only reason for the 4 not 5 stars is the limited amount of exhibits. Suggestion, give a permanent space for local artists, you won’t regret it.

  • 5/5 PA J. 6 months ago on Google
    Fantastic art gallery for all age group. One of Michael Craig Martin's work is installed in the shop. Tracy Emin's print is available to buy. Definitely worth visiting.

  • 3/5 Steven 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing venue but poor curation. Such a nice space, but exhibitions aren’t really ever great. Also really nice to see you’re running workshops with kids but perhaps this could be done in a different room and use that gallery space for another exhibition.

  • 4/5 Wenchieh W. 11 months ago on Google
    There wasn’t a lot going on in terms of exhibition when we visited. But we enjoyed the shop on the ground floor. There were artwork/souvenir created on the theme of Margate and we were able to learn more about Turner and his relation with Margate, as well as the history of Margate. It was quite a pleasant experience of exploring Margate’s artistic aspects. Also entry was free.

  • 4/5 N G. 1 year ago on Google
    I now know less that I did about contemporary art than before I went in. Really lovely staff, very welcoming. Spotlessly clean. Just not an awful lot to see. Quite a bit of the space lies empty. THE thing to do in Margate though and glad I went. The sculpture at sea was the highlight.

  • 4/5 Lizzie C. 10 months ago on Google
    It's a beautiful building and the cafe and shop are both fab but I'll admit I was pretty underwhelmed by the collection. I'm not sure if we visited on a bad day but the whole gallery seem to be given over to one exhibit (Brazilian contemporary artist Beatriz Milhazes). Whilst this was a good exhibition, I was left a bit disappointed there was no permanent collection of local art 😕

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 9 months ago on Google
    I've been to the Turner Contemporary many times, often with my daughter. It's always been a wonderful artistic experience. The penultimate visit included a crazy animated silver alien that seemed to track you as you walked around the room with its neck and eyes. This time a brilliant show of the work of Beatriz Milhazes, a Brazilian artist. The works take over five galleries, and given space, they shine. I'm never disappointed when I visit. Free, but worth donating, or buying from the shop. Great rebooted cafe as well.

  • 5/5 Julia W. 1 year ago on Google
    Free entry to this gallery which has changing exhibitions so check out what is in before you go. It’s a stunning building with great facilities. The cafe gets very busy but there are lots of great cafes nearby. Great setting and near to viewpoints for the Antony Gormley figure in the sea.

  • 5/5 Andy D. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place , the light is amazing and a eclectic mix of classic Turner and contemporary art , shop could be bigger and may be an art room for the kids NOT a gaming room . Not sure who’s in charge of the outside space and place a commercial wheelie bin in front of the main sea viewing window or is it art and I’m missing a trick ! Don’t forget the seek out the Carl Freedom gallery too 15 min walk well worth it . Love you Margate ❤️


Call +44 1843 233000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Assistive hearing loop
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible lift
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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