Visit us
Location
Turner Contemporary
Rendezvous, Margate
Opening hours
Gallery, shop and café are closed while we changeover exhibitions
Welcome to Turner
In the heart of Margate, overlooking the main sands, our David Chipperfield-designed gallery is waiting for you.
Explore our latest exhibition, join in a creative workshop, or pop in for a coffee and a look in the shop.
Entry is free, because art is for everybody.
Planning your visit? Find out more about getting here by train, bus or car, accessible facilities and Blue Badge parking, and educational group visits.
Opening hours
Summer hours (April–October)
11am–5pm, Tuesday–Sunday, and bank holidays
Winter hours (November–March)
11am–5pm, Wednesday–Sunday, and bank holidays
During exhibition changeovers, we might need to close all or part of the gallery, but we'll always share this information on our homepage and socials to let you know.
Opening hours & closures during exhibition changeover
14 September–3 October 2026
As we prepare for our next exhibition, Sophie Calle: Something Missing?, our opening hours will look a little different. We’ll be partially open on some days during the changeover, with selected spaces and facilities available.
Sophie Calle: Something Missing? opens to the public on Saturday 3 October at 11am.
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When we’re open, by space
Sunley Gallery, shop & toilets (ground floor)
Open 11am–5pm on:
- 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 September
- 1 October
Clore Learning Studio (first floor)
Open 11am–5pm on:
- 19, 20, 26, 27 September
Louie On Sea café
Open 11am–3pm on:
- 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30 September
- 1, 2 & 3 October
When we’re open, by date
19–20 Sep: Ground floor Sunley Gallery, shop and toilets open 11am–5pm, plus Clore Learning Studio open 11am–5pm; café open 11am–3pm
22 Sep: Ground floor Sunley Gallery, shop and toilets open 11am–5pm; café open 11am–3pm
25 Sep: Ground floor Sunley Gallery, shop and toilets open 11am–5pm; café open 11am–3pm
26–27 Sep: Ground floor Sunley Gallery, shop and toilets open 11am–5pm, plus Clore Learning Studio open 11am–5pm; café open 11am–3pm
29 Sep–1 Oct: Ground floor Sunley Gallery, shop and toilets open 11am–5pm; café open 11am–3pm
2 Oct: Café open 11am–3pm.
3 Oct: Sophie Calle: Something Missing? opens to the public, gallery fully open 11am–7pm; café open 10.30am–10pm.
When we’re closed
The gallery and café will be fully closed on:
- 14–18 September
- 21 September
- 28 September
The gallery will also be closed on:
- 23–24 September
- 2 October
With the café open between 11am–3pm on these dates.
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There are periods when Clore Learning Studio will be closed. Closure dates and times are listed below:
- Friday 11 September, closed for 11am-5pm for Learning workshop
- Saturday 12 September, 12–4pm, closed for wedding
- Monday 14–Friday 18 September, closed for changeover
- Monday 21–Friday 25 September, closed for changeover
- Monday 28 September, gallery closed
- Friday 2 October, gallery closed
Getting here
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Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and a great alternative to driving. We encourage our visitors to travel by rail where possible.
Southeastern run high-speed trains from London St Pancras and Stratford International every hour which take under 90 minutes to Margate station.
Southeastern also runs mainline trains from London Victoria, Cannon Street, Charing Cross and London Bridge, but will take a little longer.
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The closest bus stop is Cecil Square. From here turn right down the main high street then right again towards the harbour arm. You’ll see the gallery just across the road in front of you.
Buses serving Cecil Square: Thanet Loop, 8,8A,8X,32,36
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The nearest car park, Rendezvous Car Park, is a 5-minute walk from the gallery entrance, with 24/7 access, 2 EV charging points and parking for motorcycles available.
To access the car park drive onto Rendezvous and the entrance is on the left as you face the RNLI lifeboat station.
Postcode: CT9 1HG
what3words’ link: https://w3w.co/bunny.rent.wooden
The car parking tariff applies 24 hours a day, Monday–Sunday. There is no concession for blue badge holders.
The duration of your stay is calculated by ANPR cameras from point of entry to point of exit. Please ensure you purchase parking to cover your entire stay. Payment can be made at any point during your visit before leaving, and additional time can be added using the payment machines or RingGo app.
The car park is owned by Kent County Council who fund the gallery. It is operated by Smart Parking who can be contacted at https://www.smartparking.com/uk with any queries regarding tariffs or payment issues.
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The gallery is part of the Viking Coastal Trail. You'll find bike racks to the left of the gallery, just outside Droit House.
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Mobility scooters are welcome in the gallery. Please find more details about how we can make your visit accessible here: Accessibility
You are not permitted to cycle or ride scooters anywhere inside the gallery.
Electric scooters are not allowed in the gallery. You can lock your scooter in the bike racks outside the Margate Visitor Information Centre next to the gallery.
Non-electric scooters and folding bikes are permitted but must be stored in the public lockers.
Things to know before you visit
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Our gallery is a safe space for everyone to enjoy art and creativity. All we ask is that children under 12 are accompanied by an adult and that you wear clothes and shoes in the building.
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We’re happy to welcome assistance dogs that support our disabled visitors in the gallery. While we can’t allow pets inside the gallery, they’re more than welcome to join you in our café.
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Food and drinks are not allowed in the gallery spaces. Smoking and vaping is not allowed anywhere on the premises.
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We take the safety of our staff, visitors and artworks very seriously. Abuse of any kind will not be tolerated, and you may be asked to leave.
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For everyone’s safety and comfort, we kindly ask that large bags and suitcases aren’t brought into the gallery. Lockers are available on-site, or you’re welcome to use a nearby luggage storage facility.
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To help keep everyone safe, bag checks may be carried out when you arrive. We appreciate your understanding.
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Children’s scooters and e-scooters can’t be used inside the gallery spaces. If you need any help or have questions, our staff are always happy to assist.
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We do not allow campaign materials to be brought inside, and the the use of loudspeakers and amplification equipment is not permitted.
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Please feel free to draw and sketch with graphite pencils.
We don’t allow charcoal, permanent markers, pastels, watercolours or oil paints in the gallery spaces. -
Your well-being is our priority. Please speak to our team if you need assistance or feel unwell—our trained first aiders will be happy to help.
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If you have a question, want to talk about the artwork or just need some help our team are always ready to help.
Accessibility
We’re working towards being a fully accessible gallery. Today you’ll find step-free access across all floors, large-print guides, sensory bags and all our staff are trained in delivering audio-descriptive tours.
Find out how we can support you on our accessibility page, and if you have any questions get in touch at access@turnercontemporary.org or +44(0)1843 233 000 (operated daily 10am–5pm).
Other useful information
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You are welcome to take pictures for personal use in our galleries.
However, we don’t allow:
- Selfie sticks
- Tripods
- Flash photography
- Photographing/filming our staff, visitors or children without their permission
We’ll always let you know if filming or photography is taking place during your visit.
For any commercial or press photography or filming requests, please contact press@turnercontemporary.org
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Lockers are available in the gallery for a £1 charge.
Each locker can fit a cabin-sized bag. If your item is larger than 56 x 25 x 45cm it won’t be allowed in the gallery.
All items are left at the owner’s risk, and we can’t accept liability for loss or damage to personal belongings.
Anything left in a locker at the end of the day will be taken to our lost property.
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We want the Turner to be a safe, welcoming environment for anyone who spends time here.
Abuse, violence, harassment or discrimination of any kind are not acceptable. If we think you are behaving in a way that risks the comfort and safety of other people or artworks, you will be asked to stop and may be told to leave the building.
Please see our full Code of Conduct.
Keep exploring
Café & Restaurant
Introducing Louie On Sea – presenting a café by day evening chef residencies s by night, with aperitivo and music in between.
Find out more
Bespoke Tours
Our expert-led tours give you an in-depth understanding of the current exhibition and artist/s involved.
Curated & corporate experiences
Educational Groups
Book a self-led visit, tour or workshop for your school or community group.
Find out more
Weddings & Celebrations
Celebrate your big day surrounded by sea views and breath-taking art.
Weddings
Free digital guide
Explore Turner Contemporary in a new way with additional content and free audio guides available on Bloomberg Connects.
Explore the guide