Tate Liverpool: Exhibits move to Mann Island ahead of £29.7m revamp

Tate Liverpool is preparing to close its doors ahead of a two-year £29.7m transformation.

The gallery, which opened at the Royal Albert Dock in 1988, which closes on Monday will be temporarily housed in the RIBA building on Mann Island.

Head of Learning at Tate Liverpool, Shaun Curtis, said over 70,000 works would go into storage but a range of exhibitions would be at the new venue.

He said the experience would feel "like a mini version of the Tate".

"During the two years of temporary closure we will run programme of exhibitions, learning projects and talks, and there will also be a café and a shop" Mr Curtis said.

"Obviously we wont have the same amount of floor space but there will be a really lively programme of exhibitions."

The newly refurbished gallery, which is set to open in 2025, will feature a new public "Art Hall", double-height galleries and more social space.

Helen Legg, Director, Tate Liverpool, said after 35 years "of success in Liverpool and 20 million visitors, the time is right to invest in the next phase of the gallery".

She said: "Whilst we are embracing renewal, we are determined to retain and celebrate the world-class heritage of this remarkable 180-year building, whilst at the same time addressing today's urgent demands for equality of access, energy-efficiency, and flexible spaces for future generations."

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, said the refurbished gallery would "welcome the widest range of local, national and international visitors as part of a revitalised waterfront".

"Brilliant art and artists will be at the heart of a world class experience that is free for everyone to enjoy."

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