This exhibition explores the dynamic evolution of British art from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. After going through the Thatcher era (1979–1990), a charged and uncertain social climate gave rise to a new generation of artists who challenged traditional norms and embraced bold, experimental practices. Many of the newer generation of artists who came to prominence in the 1990s were referred to in the art and popular media under the title Young British Artists (YBAs). Alongside other artists active at the time, these artists explored themes such as popular culture, personal identity, and shifting social structures. They worked across a diverse range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation. Featuring around 100 works by approximately 60 artists, the exhibition traces the radical creativity and groundbreaking approaches that redefined British art in the 1990s.
about the young British artists
What is YBA ?
Damien Hirst, The Acquired Inability to Escape, 1991
Photographed by Prudence Cuming Associates © Damien Hirst and Science Ltd. All rights reserved, DACS & JASPAR 2025 G3977
The label Young British Artists (YBAs) is applied to a loose group of British artists who began to exhibit together in 1988 and who became known for their openness to materials and processes, shock tactics and entrepreneurial attitude. Many artists active in the 1990s rejected the label.
exhibition highlights
Highlights
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1
Tate Presents the Ultimate “UK 90’s” Experience
Tate’s own take on the YBAs and the wider story of 1990s British art.
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2
A Star-Studded Line-Up of Legends
Damien Hirst, Lubaina Himid, Steve McQueen, Tracey Emin, Wolfgang Tillmans, Julian Opie and many more
– works by artists who made their mark on global art history. -
3
Music × Subculture × Fashion
— the vibrant spirit of UK culture’s golden age.
ticket information
Tickets
Advance Tickets
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YBA & BEYOND Tote Bag Ticket
*Designed by Kosuke Kawamura¥4,870(Tax in)
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General
¥2,100(Tax in)
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University Student
¥1,300(Tax in)
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High School Student
¥700(Tax in)
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Junior High School & Under
Free
Tickets at the door
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General
¥2,300(Tax in)
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University Student
¥1,500(Tax in)
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High School Student
¥900(Tax in)
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Junior High School & Under
Free
YBA & BEYOND Advance Ticket with Tote Bag
An advance bundle ticket that includes admission to the exhibition and the YBA & BEYOND tote bag designed by Kosuke Kawamura, featuring the exhibition artist lineup.
Sales Period: 4 December (Thu), 2025 – 9 February (Mon), 2026
Each bundle ticket includes one voucher to redeem the tote bag.
Items must be collected at the venue. Please note that shipping is not available.
- Size：
- (Main body) Approx. W440 × H400 × D130mm
(Shoulder strap) Approx. 30mm width × 1180mm total length(adjustable) - Material：
- Cotton
- Pockets：
- 1 interior pocket
- Country of Origin：
- China
- Purchase is limited to one per person.
- This ticket is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged, refunded, reissued, or resold.
- Sales will end once the planned quantity is reached.
- If the planned quantity is reached, tickets will not be available at the venue.
- We do not exchange bonus items for reasons other than defects.
- Please note that the voucher is valid only during the exhibition period—be sure to check the exhibition dates before purchasing.
- Please refrain from calling the venue with inquiries.
- Visitors who are under junior high school students and disabled people with ID booklets (along with the one assistant) will be admitted for free.
- Free entrance to the exhibition for high school students from 25 March (Wed.) to 27 March (Fri.), 2026, upon presenting students ID.
- Reduction (100 yen off) applies to visitors who present the ticket stub of a current exhibition at The National Art Center, Tokyo; Suntory Museum of Art; or Mori Art Museum. Please show the ticket stub at the YBA & BEYOND exhibition ticket booth.
- Students, faculty and staff, of "Campus Members", can view this exhibition for 1300 yen (students) and 2100 yen (faculty/staff). Please purchase tickets at the "YBA&BEYOND" exhibition ticket booth.
- The following credit cards and e-cash options are available for purchasing tickets at The National Art Center, Tokyo ticket counters.
Credit Cards: MasterCard, VISA, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club, DISCOVER, UnionPay, QUICPay
Electronic Money: Transportation IC Cards, Rakuten Edy, WAON, nanaco, iD
QR Payments: auPay, BankPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, PayPay, d Payment, Japan Post Pay
(Tokyo Exhibition Related Events)
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Opening Curator’s Talk
To celebrate the opening, curators from Tate will host a talk event.
- Date
- 11 February, 2026 (Wed, national holiday)
- Time
- 14:00-15:30
- Venue
- National Art Center, Tokyo – 3rd Floor Auditorium
- Speakers
- Gregor Muir（Director of Collection, Tate）
Helen Little (Curator, British Art, Tate） - Moderator
- Yukako Yamada (Curator, The National Arts Center, Tokyo)
- Capacity
- 240 people
- Admission
- Free admission for YBA & BEYOND exhibition ticket holders (first come, first served). Please present your ticket stub.
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Guided Tours by National Art Center Curator
Enjoy deeper insights into the exhibition with guided tours by NACT curator. (Japanese only)
- Dates
- 20 Feb, 6 Mar, 27 Mar, 10 Apr, 24 Apr (all Fridays)
- Time
- 18:30–19:15
- Venue
- National Art Center, Tokyo – Special Exhibition Gallery 2E
- Capacity
- 15 people per session
- Admission
- Free admission for YBA & BEYOND exhibition ticket holders (first come, first served). Please present your same-day exhibition ticket stub.