Tate Britain Turner and Constable Exhibition

Overview

Mobile ticket

Two of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable were also the greatest of rivals. Born within a year of each other – Turner in 1775, Constable in 1776 – they used landscape art as a way to reflect the changing world around them.

With the two painters vying for success through very different but equally bold approaches the scene was soon set for a heady rivalry. Turner painted blazing sunsets and sublime scenes from his travels, while Constable often returned to depictions of a handful of beloved places, striving for freshness and authenticity in his portrayal of nature. The art critics compared their paintings to a clash of ‘fire and water’.

This is an unmissable opportunity to explore the careers of the two greatest British landscape painters, seen – as they often were in their own time – side by side.

Curated by Amy Concannon, Manton Senior Curator, Historic British Art, with Nicole Cochrane, Assistant Curator, Historic British Art (1790–1850).

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Tate Britain free galleries

Entrance to Turner and Constable exhibition

Other exhibitions at Tate Britain that have a charge

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting points

Tate Britain

Millbank London United Kingdom

End points

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Tate Britain

Marking 250 years since their births, this landmark exhibition explores Turner and Constable's intertwined lives and legacies. Discover unexpected sides to both artists alongside intimate insights seen through sketchbooks and personal items. Must-see artworks include Turner’s powerful and dynamic later paintings, which shocked the art critics of his day and went on to inspire Claude Monet, and Constable's expressive cloud sketches capturing the changing light of an English sky. Raised in the gritty heart of Georgian London, Turner quickly became a rising star of the art world despite his humble beginnings. Meanwhile Constable, the son of a wealthy Suffolk merchant, was equally determined to forge his own path as an artist but faced a more arduous rise to acclaim. Though from different worlds they shared a profound connection to nature, and both set their sights on transforming landscape painting, investing it with layers of meaning and emotion.

Admission Included

Options

Tate Britain Turner and Constable Exhibition

Reviews

5.00

4 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Lovely afternoon with JMW Turner
PawelJZ,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Tate Britain is one of the greatest galleries in London housing the largest collection of J.M.W. Turner paintings in the UK. And this was the main reason for my recent visit to this venue, during which I took time to admire these absolutely fascinating paintings , also learning about Turner’s life his and European travels, that inspired many of his works. The whole exhibition is very well presented and specious, so one is able to comfortably allow plenty of time to contemplate the great beauty of the art. But Tate Britain is not only about Turner - there’s so much more to see in the gallery, so on my next visit I shall concentrate on other artists, whose works are on display.
Impressive and free
Paul batista1,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Love turner and constable. Building is magnificent. Free to see although a donation would be great Not much else to say really.
A painter develops
55mo55,
Jul 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
If you want to see how Turner developed then this is the exhibition for you. Firstly, the tate is worth seeing in it's own right. Having visited the national gallery just the day before, here no crowds, plenty of space to see clearly without any jostling, a treat. Lots to see and many famous painters have works here. each painting explained well. Having said that the prize was for me the turner and constable exhibition, excellent
A must
RoddyPayne,
May 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fanatic spot - free if you avoid the special expirations. What a brilliantly curated walk through British art, artists and themes. I loved thoughtful contextualisation and art insights as well as seeing some unbelievable art works. The modern section is underwhelming … may be you have to go to the Tate Modern for that, but the Turner and Constable wings were simply amazing … and all free. There are tours you can go on too. A must for London if you like art … even better if you are on a budget