Tate Liverpool is set to reopen in 2027 but it’s renovation project is currently facing a £4m funding shortfall
Tate Liverpool art gallery, Royal Albert Dock(Image: Geography Photos/Universal Images Group via Getty Images))
Tate Liverpool has confirmed the departure of Helen Legg, who has accepted an artistic director role at The Royal Academy in London. Ms Legg was appointed director of Tate Liverpool in 2018, and leaves at an uncertain time for the gallery.
Responding to a question about Ms Legg’s legacy at Tate Liverpool, and what the future holds for the gallery, interim director of Tate, Karin Hindsbo told the ECHO: “As well as delivering an exceptional range of exhibitions and displays at Tate Liverpool, Helen Legg has driven forward a major capital project to transform the building itself.
“When it reopens in 2027, it will be a truly world-class gallery for a world-class city. Helen also led Tate’s programme of national partnerships, which reaches an audience of millions through museums and galleries right across the UK.
“I would like to thank her for everything she has done for Tate and wish her every success in her exciting new role at the Royal Academy.”
The modern art museum at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool city centre closed its doors on October 16, 2023, for a refurbishment that a spokesperson at the time said would last until 2025.
However, in February 2025 it was confirmed Tate Liverpool would remain closed until 2027.
Last week, Friday April 17, the Liverpool ECHO reported an update on Tate Liverpool’s renovation project, which is facing a £4m funding shortfall.
Tate Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Tate Liverpool has been drawing in millions of pounds of finance, including cash from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); the Public Bodies Infrastructure Fund, which provided £12m; as well as generous philanthropic donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Ross Warburton Charitable Trust.
Last week (April 17) the Liverpool ECHO reported an update on Tate Liverpool’s renovation project, which is facing a £4m funding shortfall. We also understand Tate Liverpool had approached the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCR) to ask for help financing this gap.
Responding questions relating to the funding of the renovation project and a query about the specific date of the planned reopening, a spokesperson for Tate Liverpool told us: “As we have announced, the transformed Tate Liverpool will reopen to the public in 2027.
“We will announce the exact reopening date nearer the time, alongside the full programme of special exhibitions, free displays and celebratory events. We have already raised over 90% of the project costs, and we are confident of closing that gap in the months ahead.
“The redevelopment of Tate Liverpool will transform the UK’s most popular modern and contemporary art gallery outside London. It will be a gallery of international standing, in a historic location, in an iconic world city.”
The ECHO also enquired about whether Tate Liverpool had approached organisations such as the LCR, for support in financing the last 10% of the project costs.
The spokesperson added: “We are in active discussion with a number of possible funders.”
In light of Ms Legg’s departure, we also asked for an update on when Tate Liverpool will announce her replacement, a Tate Liverpool spokesperson added: “The next Director of Tate Liverpool will be announced in due course. In the meantime, we are focusing on preparations for the gallery’s reopening next year.
“When Tate Liverpool first opened in 1988, it was a game-changing moment for art in the UK, and it inspired a wave of new galleries around the world.
“Now, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to transform it into an art museum fit for the 21st century, serving the needs of today’s artists and audiences, and ushering in a new era in the ongoing evolution of this historic waterfront.”