Triumph of philanthropy as Tate Britain completes £45m renovations
by Chris Dodd | 29 Nov 2013
Renovations see part of the Millbank building transformed by architects Caruso St John
The Tate Britain’s newly completed £45m renovation is a "triumph of funding" and could usher in a new age of philanthropy, according to Lord Browne, chair of Tate.
A total of 95 per cent of the work was funded by private donors, with the majority of support coming from trusts, foundations, individual donors and Tate members – as opposed to big businesses.
The Tate’s latest set of renovations sees the oldest part of the Grade II-listed Millbank building transformed by architects Caruso St John. The work follows the opening of 10 new galleries and displays earlier this May.
The site’s main entrance on Millbank has now been opened up and a classical spiral staircase has been installed, which leads down to a ground floor, helping to connect a series of newly reclaimed spaces.
Work has also led to the renovation and addition of two eateries - the Rex Whistler Restaurant being transformed and the Djanogly Café being built - with the latter opening out onto an exterior terrace.
Other new additions include educational facilities and an entrance dedicated to visitors from schools. The architects have also implemented an archive gallery into their designs.
Much of the work carried out incorporates site-specific artistic commissions, which have been developed into the building’s structure and furnishings.
More information on the Tate and its latest renovation work is available here
The Tate Britain’s newly completed £45m renovation is a "triumph of funding" and could usher in a new age of philanthropy, according to Lord Browne, chair of Tate. A total of 95 per cent of the work was funded by private donors, with the majority of support coming from trusts, foundations, individual donors and Tate members – as opposed to big businesses. The Tate’s latest set of renovations sees the
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
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