Tracey Emin at Tate Modern: A Second Life in London

Introduction

In 2026, Tate Modern unveils A Second Life, the largest exhibition ever dedicated to Dame Tracey Emin — one of Britain’s most influential, confessional, and provocative contemporary artists. Spanning over 40 years of work, this landmark retrospective brings Emin’s raw emotional world to the banks of the Thames, offering visitors an immersive look at love, trauma, memory, healing, and the transformative power of self-expression.

A Brief History of Tracey Emin

Born in Croydon and raised in Margate, Tracey Emin emerged as a central figure among the Young British Artists (YBAs) in the 1990s. Her Turner Prize–nominated My Bed (1998) propelled her into the international spotlight, sparking fierce debates over what art could — or should — be. Her work, spanning painting, sculpture, neon, video, textiles, and installation, is unapologetically confessional, collapsing the boundary between private experience and public display.

Emin’s life story is deeply intertwined with her art — from her difficult upbringing in Margate to surviving cancer in 2020 — and Tate’s exhibition foregrounds how personal transformation has shaped her creative journey.

Why Tracey Emin Is at the Tate Modern

Tate Modern is presenting A Second Life from 27 February to 31 August 2026, marking Emin’s largest retrospective to date. Curated in close collaboration with the artist, the exhibition traces four decades of her career, bringing together over 90 works, including seminal pieces, never-before-seen bronzes, early paintings, installations, and intimate video works.

This exhibition celebrates Emin’s lifelong commitment to expressing vulnerability, passion, and pain through art. It also repositions painting at the heart of her practice — showing new canvases that reflect her renewed creative energy after life-altering illness.

What to See

Highlights of A Second Life include:

• My Bed (1998) — The iconic installation that shocked Britain and redefined contemporary art.
• Why I Never Became a Dancer (1995) — A video recounting deeply personal events from her teenage years.
• Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made (1996) — A radical performance work that forced Emin to reclaim painting.
• New Paintings (2020–2024) — Vibrant, emotionally charged canvases exploring survival and transformation.
• Sculptures & Bronzes — Including pieces exhibited publicly for the first time.

Expect an emotionally intense journey through neon phrases, handwritten confessions, large-scale canvases, stitched narratives, and deeply intimate autobiographical works.

Where to Eat Near Tate Modern

A few great options before or after your visit:

• Tate Modern Level 6 Restaurant – Modern British dining with panoramic city views.
• Swan at the Globe – British brasserie next to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
• Caravan Bankside – Trendy spot for all-day plates and excellent coffee.
• The Refinery Bankside – Stylish bar serving comfort food and cocktails.

NX London Hostel Highlight

Make your Tracey Emin cultural pilgrimage even smoother by staying at NX London Hostel, your budget-friendly and centrally connected homebase in the city. Clean rooms, a warm atmosphere, and easy transport links make it perfect for art lovers exploring London’s world‑class museums — including the Tate Modern.

How to Get to Tate Modern

Address: Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1 9TG.

By Tube:

• Southwark (Jubilee Line) – 10-minute walk.
• Blackfriars (District & Circle, Thameslink) – 8-minute walk.

By Bus:

• Routes 45, 63, and 100 stop nearby.

From NX London Hostel:
Take the Northern Line to London Bridge, then enjoy a scenic 15-minute walk along the riverfront.

Tickets

• Exhibition dates: 27 February – 31 August 2026. [tate.org.uk]
• Admission:
  • Free for Tate Members
  • Paid tickets available on the Tate website (advance booking recommended)

Key Takeaways

• A Second Life is Tracey Emin’s largest exhibition ever.
• Over 90 works spanning 40 years of her intensely autobiographical practice.
• A rare opportunity to see defining pieces like My Bed alongside new bronzes and paintings.
• A deeply emotional, raw, and honest exhibition tracing a life transformed by art and survival.
• Tate Modern cements Emin’s place as one of the most important voices in contemporary British art.

Final Thought

Much like Emin’s My Bed, life can be a beautiful mess — and this exhibition proves that from even the most chaotic corners of experience, extraordinary art can emerge. So bring your curiosity, your heart, and maybe a tissue or two… this one hits deep.