When King Writes

Museums used to bore me.

If you told 18-year-old me to spend an afternoon inside one, I’d probably have groaned. Unless it was a mandatory field trip, in which case, I’d still be counting the minutes until freedom. 🤣

But somewhere between then and now (either because I’ve aged or because I’ve started appreciating “the finer things in life”… or both), I’ve found myself more drawn to art. I can’t call myself an “art enthusiast” but these days, my travel itineraries always seem to include at least one museum visit.

In London, one of the few museums I hadn’t checked off my list was Tate Modern. Not because I didn’t want to—quite the opposite. It’s one of those places I always meant to visit but never got around to. Maybe because it’s so accessible and free, it never felt like a must-do before leaving the city.

But this time was different. Yayoi Kusama had an exhibit, and if there’s one thing I’ve always been fascinated by, it’s her infinity mirror rooms—those mesmerizing, light-filled, otherworldly spaces that seem to stretch forever. That was all the reason I needed to finally step inside Tate Modern.

Yayoi Kusama’s Fleeting, Enchanting Experience

Kusama’s exhibit featured two rooms, and visitors were given just two minutes in each. Of course, two minutes is not enough! Not when you’re in an immersive, mind-bending space, sharing it with others who are also scrambling to take photos while soaking in the experience.

The Infinity Mirror Room

The first room was the iconic Infinity Mirror Room. The glowing orbs changed color every few seconds, casting different moods as they flickered between warm and cool tones. The mirrors amplified everything and made the space feel vast, surreal, and never-ending. An endless universe of light.

It was a breathtaking experience, but two minutes went by way too fast. I could’ve stayed for hours. If only I didn’t have to line up again to re-enter. 😅

TIP: While I loved how immersive it was, it’s worth noting that the constant light changes might not be ideal for people sensitive to flashing lights.

The Chandelier of Grief

The second room, Chandelier of Grief, had a very different energy. Instead of vibrant lights, it featured a single, slowly rotating chandelier suspended in a mirrored room. Compared to the first room, this one felt more introspective, melancholic even.

It wasn’t as instantly striking as the Infinity Mirror Room, but it hit me in a different way. Something about the spinning chandelier, the eerie silence, and the reflections stretching infinitely in every direction made the space feel strangely… lonely. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but standing there, I felt a quiet sadness settle in.

The Rest of Tate Modern

After about an hour at Kusama’s exhibit (including queueing time), I wandered through Tate Modern’s other collections. I had never been before, so I figured I might as well take my time.

Tate Modern is a goldmine for modern and contemporary art lovers. It’s not overwhelmingly huge like the British Museum or the V&A, but it has plenty of thought-provoking, bold, and sometimes downright bizarre pieces that make you pause and go, “What am I looking at?” in the best way possible.

Here are some photos of my favorite pieces:

Tips for Visiting Yayoi Kusama’s Exhibit & Tate Modern

For Yayoi Kusama, anywhere in the world it might be:

• Go on a weekday, early in the morning. Kusama’s exhibits are wildly popular and lines can get long. The earlier you go, the better your chances of enjoying the rooms with fewer people.
• Be quick with photos. Two minutes per room means you don’t have much time to waste. If you want a shot, be ready!

For Tate Modern visitors:

• Tate Modern is free, but special exhibits like Kusama’s require tickets. Book in advance to secure a limited spot.
• Take your time exploring the rest of Tate. It’s not as massive as some of London’s other museums, but it has plenty of gems, especially if you grab an audio guide. I’d give it two hours.
• Enjoy the riverside location! Tate Modern sits along the Thames. I think it’s the perfect spot for a post-museum coffee or stroll. ☕

Final Thoughts

Even though I wished I had more time inside Kusama’s infinity mirror room, the experience was unforgettable. I got a glimpse into her world of repetition, reflection, and illusion.

In that short amount of time, her work made me feel both infinitely small and infinitely vast at the same time.

Would I go again? In a heartbeat—just with a plan to beat the crowds next time.