Jacques Herzog & Nicholas Serota with Ellis Woodman

Tate Modern’s 25th anniversary marks a quarter-century of the Bankside Power Station’s transformation into one of the world’s most influential art institutions. Former director Sir Nicholas Serota and architect Jacques Herzog reflect on the project’s origins, which capitalized on the National Lottery to redefine London’s visual culture. The design strategy prioritized the existing industrial shell, creating a "hermit crab" relationship that preserved the building's monumental scale while introducing flexible spaces like the Turbine Hall. This approach challenged prevailing architectural norms, moving away from traditional white-cube galleries toward a more diverse, organic environment. The institution’s evolution, including its subsequent expansion, reflects a broader shift in British public sentiment, successfully integrating contemporary art and architecture into the city’s identity while establishing a global benchmark for adaptive reuse in public infrastructure.