Turner Contemporary is an art gallery in Margate, Kent, England, intended as a contemporary arts space and catalyst for the regeneration of the town. The title commemorates the association of the town with noted landscape painter J. M. W. Turner, who went to school there, and visited throughout his life.

History

Architectural design

The building was designed by David Chipperfield, whose design for the 3-storey, 20 m high gallery opened on 16 April 2011, 14,000 people visited in the first weekend and 500,000 in its first year. In August 2013 the gallery received its millionth visitor. On 20 February 2020, Turner Contemporary became the first contemporary building to feature on a Bank of England note. Turner Contemporary is the largest dedicated visual arts venue in Kent. It is a registered charity under English law.

Recognition

In November 2011, the venue received an award from the British Guild of Travel Writers, for an outstanding tourism project. Queen Elizabeth II visited Turner Contemporary on 11 November 2011, as part of a wider trip to Margate.

Exhibitions

Gallery