LONDON.- Tate Modern celebrated its 25th anniversary this month, marking the occasion with a special weekend of art, performances, talks, screenings and workshops, organised in partnership with UNIQLO. Over 76,000 people visited over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday to join the celebrations. Over 70% of those visitors were under 35 years old, well over double the 30% of under-35s typically seen at Tate Modern.

A record 2,000 visitors also signed up to Tate Collective, the gallery’s free scheme for 16-25 year olds, taking the total number of Tate Collective members to over 180,000. It is now the largest arts membership scheme for young people in the world.

On Monday, Tate Modern continued its 25th anniversary programme by hosting 25 school groups from across London. Over 600 children enjoyed special workshops and experiences that brought artworks to life, including making collages in response to the free collection displays and having their height marked on the Turbine Hall wall as part of Roman Ondak’s collective performance Measuring the Universe.

Karin Hindsbo, Director of Tate Modern, said: “We knew our 25th birthday weekend would be popular, but the numbers really blew us away. They speak to the way Tate Modern has profoundly changed the public’s relationship with modern and contemporary art over the past 25 years, especially for a younger generation. This museum is a truly public space where new generations of creative talent come to be inspired by the very best art from around the world.”

Since opening in May 2000, Tate Modern has rewritten the rulebook for what an art museum can be and has expanded the canon of art history to become truly international. To celebrate 25 years at the cutting edge, a new trail of 25 iconic and inspiring artworks has been installed across the building. Throughout the year, visitors can continue to enjoy this free trail of much-loved classics and brand-new arrivals, from Andy Warhol and Salvador Dalí to Monster Chetwynd and Pipilotti Rist.