When Tate first opened its doors to the public in 1897 it had just one site, displaying a small collection of British artworks. Today Tate has four major sites and the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art, which includes nearly 70,000 artworks. A number of new developments are planned for Tate Modern, Tate Britainand Tate St Ives to ensure the galleries continue to expand.

Tate holds the national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day and international modern and contemporary art.

The collection embraces all media, from painting, drawing, sculpture and prints to photography, video and film, installation and performance.

Tate seeks to represent significant developments in art, in all areas within its remit, with artworks of outstanding quality and importance.

British art is represented by artists chosen for their contribution to its history and development, rather than their nationality alone.

While it has traditionally focused on art from Western Europe and North America, has recently expanded its holdings of modern and contemporary artworks from Africa, Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and South Asia.