Turner Contemporary, a new £17.4m gallery dedicated to the life of 19th century artist JMW Turner, has officially opened its doors to the public in Margate, Kent.

Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, the attraction was opened by artist Tracey Emin, musician Jools Holland and local schoolchildren on 16 April. R Durtnell and Sons has delivered the building, which incorporates 750sq m (8,072sq ft) of gallery space across two floors.

The opening exhibition - Revealed: Turner Contemporary Opens - will examine the themes of imagination and the creative spirit, centred on one of Turner's lesser-known works. The Eruption of the Souffrier Mountains is on loan to the Turner Contemporary from the Victoria Gallery and Museum at the University of Liverpool.

Turner Contemporary chair John Kampfner said: "The opening of Turner Contemporary marks the start of an extraordinary opportunity for Margate and Thanet to become one of the UK's most compelling culture and tourism destinations." Kent County Council cabinet member for community services Mike Hill added: "It is a magnificent building which will provide many different opportunities for local people and visitors from far and wide."

Image: Richard Bryant/Arcaidimages.com