Turner Contemporary Art Gallery Kent
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Turner Contemporary, Rendezvous, Margate, Kent, CT9 1HG
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Art and Design | English | History | Mathematics | Day Trip Destinations | Arts & Galleries | Crafts | Historical Heritage | Museums | Outdoor Education | Special Educational Needs (SEN) | Social Skills
What we offer on a school trip
Turner Contemporary is one of the UK’s leading art galleries.
Situated on Margate seafront, Turner Contemporary offers a rolling programme of world class exhibitions, events and learning opportunities all within a stunning backdrop. Come through the doors, and you might encounter a new artwork, be inspired by our current exhibition and get engrossed in an activity, tour or conversation. From our windows, you can observe the skies and light that inspired our namesake, JMW Turner (1775-1851), during his visits to Margate. Connect with us, expand your creative potential and discover new ways of thinking. Entry to the gallery and all of our exhibitions is free.
What makes us a great choice for education?
Every year we work with thousands of children and young people. Our pioneering learning programme champions children’s leadership through the arts and we offer a range of tours and workshops to get people curious about art and ways it can relate to the wider world. All our learning facilitators are trained in Philosophy for Children (P4C) at level one, an approach which encourages everyone to see, think and learn differently.
Margate is steeped in history and there are a number of visitor attractions close by, such as Dreamland, Margate Museum and the newly opened Margate Caves if you are after a full day of activities. The gallery is surrounded by blue flag awarded sandy beaches, perfect for outdoor learning.
What is typically included on our school trips?
There are a range of options for your visit, from self-guided to gallery tours and making workshops:
Self-Directed Visits
Explore our vibrant changing exhibitions programme with your group for free, supported by our exhibition resources.
Please let us know you are coming in advance to your visit so we can ensure you have the best possible experience.
Gallery Introduction
- 20 minute Introduction
- Suitable for KS1 and up, and Language Schools
- £25 + VAT for a group of up to 33 students and their accompanying adults
Hear from gallery staff to uncover JMW Turner’s story and find out more about the gallery, cultural regeneration, and the current exhibition on display.
Gallery Tour
- 60 minute tour
- Suitable for KS1 and up, and Language Schools
- £3.50 per head + VAT, minimum of 10 per group (or minimum cost of £35 + VAT)
A gallery tour but not as you know it! Our navigators skilfully guide you through the exhibitions, encouraging creative questioning as they go along.
Outdoor Tour: Turner and the Elements
- 60 minute tour
- Suitable for Key Stage 1 and 2
- £4 per head + VAT, minimum of 10 per group (or minimum cost of £40 + VAT)
Adventure outside of the gallery to experience Margate and the elements through the eyes of landscape painter J.M.W. Turner. During this interactive tour, pupils will learn about their local heritage and make their own watercolour paintings to take back to school, inspired by the dramatic surrounding scenery.
This tour is designed to run in all weather conditions. Please ensure pupils are appropriately dressed for the weather. In extreme weather conditions the tour will be modified to run inside the gallery.
Sensory Session
- 60 minute session
- Suitable for Reception, Key Stage 1 – 2 and SEND groups
- £3.50 per head + VAT, minimum of 10 per group (or minimum cost £35 + VAT)
Use tactile materials to make a collaborative response to the art around you in this sensory workshop.
Making Session
- 90 minute session
- Suitable for Key Stage 1 and up
- £6.50 per head + VAT, minimum of 10 per group (or minimum cost £65 + VAT)
Get creative inspired by world-class art. A fast paced hands on session that explores key pieces in the galleries followed by a making activity.
Group Sizes Catered For
We can accommodate any size group. Please note there is a minimum charge on tours and workshops. If your group is large than 33 children/ young people, you will be asked to stagger your entry to the gallery.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
We provide Learning Resources for every exhibition, available in the gallery and to download from our website before here: https://turnercontemporary.org/plan-your-visit/schools-colleges/
The resources are designed to provide clear information about key themes and works in the exhibition and provide question prompts and ideas for activity and discussion.
There is also a selection of objects to prompt deeper looking available to take around the galleries.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Photography is usually permitted within the exhibition; however this depends on what artworks are on display and it will be stated if there are any photography restrictions at the time of booking and through signage in the galleries.
Risk Assessment Details
We provide general health and safety guidelines of the building to help in the writing of risk assessments which are downloadable here: https://turnercontemporary.org/plan-your-visit/schools-colleges/
All groups are responsible for writing their own risk assessment, and we can provide further information specific to the activity to aid with this.
Pricing Information
Admission to the galleries and exhibitions are free.
For our bookable offers, supervising Adults go free.
First Aid Information
First Aid is onsite and there is always a certified first aider working in the gallery.
Available Facilities
Shop, sells a number of lower priced items such as pencils, rubbers and sketch books.
Café.
Toilets and changing areas.
Buggy and wheelchair store.
Learning Studio (subject to availability) to eat any packed lunches or use the beach!
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
Turner Contemporary is fully accessible for visitors
- There is a ramp to the main entrance and café, as well as an internal lift to all upper floor galleries.
- Seven disabled parking spaces are available on the piazza at the front of the gallery, as signposted.
- We have two wheelchairs available for visitors to use.
Free audio descriptive tours:
An audio tour for visually impaired visitors is available on request. Please call 01843 233000 to book prior to visiting.
Free Multi-sensory objects for exhibitions.
Opening Hours & Information
Open Tuesday to Sunday and bankholidays - 10am-5pm.
We are closed Mondays except public holidays.
To get the latest opening hours and exhibition programme, please check the website before your visit: https://turnercontemporary.org/
Testimonials
‘The Turner Contemporary is always a pleasure to visit. Not just because of the coastal setting and the atmosphere that is created by such a wonderful town as Margate but the wonderful staff are always helpful and the exhibitions are so well curated. There is always a diverse collection of artists, well considered and presented and the contemporary approach to learning creativity is key to a school visit.’ - Teacher
‘So the other day I went to Turner Contemporary, it has made me look at life in a different way, that there is more to life than just spending time sitting at home on social media. You have one life and you have to make it count.’ – Visitor, aged 15
‘Many thanks from staff and students at Saxon Way Primary School. We had a brilliant visit and the kids can't stop talking about it. Congratulations to all for a successful day.’ - Teacher
Other Information
Turner Contemporary is an Arts Award Supporter organisation, which means we can help young people and organisations to achieve all levels of the Arts Award.
We offer:
- A variety of tours and workshops delivered by trained advisors at the gallery that can make up a part of the Arts Award.
- Tailored opportunities for students to make up part of their Arts Award Certificate.
- Delivery and support of Arts Award activities in your setting by a trained advisor.
