A Free Exhibition for Every Taste – A Must-See Day Trip for Tourists in London
By Beatrice Morandi
If you’re visiting London and want to experience something inspiring, Tate Modern is the perfect place for a day trip. It offers an incredible mix of free and paid exhibitions, but one of the most rewarding—and entirely free—is In the Studio. This exhibition has something for everyone, whether you're into sculpture, photography, surrealism, or postmodern art. It’s a curated journey through decades of creative experimentation, and it's right in the heart of the city.
In the Studio takes you on an immersive path through various artistic movements and practices. As you walk through its many rooms, you’ll encounter iconic works by artists such as Lucio Fontana, René Magritte, Mark Rothko, Gerhard Richter, and many others. The variety is impressive, and the layout gives you the freedom to explore based on your mood and curiosity. Whether you're interested in introspective photography or bold color field painting, there’s something here to pull you in.
At first, the space can feel a little overwhelming—so much art, so many directions. But it quickly becomes engaging, especially as you begin to find pieces that speak to you personally. One of the most powerful sections for me was the room dedicated to Francesca Woodman. A deeply influential Italian-American photographer, Woodman's black-and-white images explore identity, femininity, and isolation. Her subjects—often herself or other women—are partially hidden, blurred in motion, or cropped at the edge of visibility. There’s a haunting intimacy to her work. It feels like stepping into a memory or a half-forgotten dream. Through subtle gestures and ghost-like appearances, she tells stories about family, loneliness, and how women are seen—or not seen—by society.
Another highlight comes from the monumental paintings of Mark Rothko. His Seagram Murals are displayed in a dedicated room that almost demands silence. These enormous canvases in shades of maroon, deep red, and black seem to breathe on the walls. Unlike the brighter works from his early career, these paintings reflect a meditative darkness. They were originally commissioned for a fancy New York restaurant, but Rothko decided against it—donating them instead to Tate so they could be experienced quietly and reflectively, “to immerse audiences.” Standing in front of them, you understand what he meant. You don’t just look at them; you feel them.
Next door is a room of Gerhard Richter’s abstract paintings—another moment to pause. Thanks to the thoughtful curation, you can get very close to the canvases, allowing you to see every stroke and ripple in the thick layers of oil paint. You’ll notice dragged brushes, smeared textures, and accidental beauties. The longer you look, the more detail emerges. It’s the kind of artwork that rewards slow looking. I highly recommend sitting on the bench in the middle of these rooms and simply soaking in the view.
The exhibition doesn’t stop there. With over eleven rooms, each new space offers a fresh surprise. You might find yourself drawn into the surreal landscapes of Magritte or the slashed canvases of Fontana, which break the boundary between painting and sculpture. Every turn in In the Studio brings something new—something bold, personal, or puzzling.
You’ll want to dedicate at least a full morning here. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, this free exhibition is one of the most enriching and accessible cultural experiences in London. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a penny to feel moved, challenged, and inspired.