Bankside Power Station

Bankside Power Station is a former electricity generating facility in Bankside on the south bank of the Thames in London, now serving as an art museum. The dark brick facade runs across several storeys, while a tall chimney rises from the centre of the complex and marks the industrial past of the structure.

The power station was built after the Second World War and began operating in the early 1950s to meet the growing electricity needs of the city. After closing in the late 1970s, the conversion into a museum began in the 1990s and opened at the turn of the millennium.

The name Bankside refers to the Thames riverbank, where the building has become a meeting point for art-goers who enjoy free access to the main collection areas. Visitors often gather in the large central space, which functions as a social hub and hosts rotating large-scale installations throughout the year.

The building sits on the southern bank of the Thames and is within walking distance of several underground stations. The large halls and wide corridors make navigation straightforward, while lifts and ramps provide access to all levels.

The underground oil tanks from the power station era have been converted into exhibition spaces for contemporary art and offer a special atmosphere through their vaulted concrete walls. These rooms lie several metres below ground and are particularly suited for video, performance and sound art.

Location: London Borough of Southwark

Architects: Giles Gilbert Scott

GPS coordinates: 51.50710,-0.09850

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:43