mima

MIMA, the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, is a public art gallery in Middlesbrough, England. The museum presents modern and contemporary art through rotating exhibitions, site-specific installations, and education programs designed to engage a wide audience. Its aim is to make contemporary art accessible and foster discussion about current artistic practice.

The gallery occupies a purpose-built space in the town centre and has hosted a range of international and regional artists since its opening in the early 2000s as part of Middlesbrough’s cultural regeneration. The collection focuses on modern and contemporary works from the 20th and 21st centuries, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, video, and design. In addition to its permanent holdings, MIMA programs temporary exhibitions, commissions, talks, and family and school activities that explore current art practices and ideas.

Operations are supported by a mix of public funding, arts-sector support, and private sponsorship. Entry policies typically combine free access to some spaces with paid tickets for major exhibitions. The museum emphasizes community engagement and collaboration with schools, universities, and cultural partners, offering workshops and events that encourage participation. As a regional hub for contemporary art, MIMA seeks to connect local audiences with international art histories and living artists while supporting emerging talent from the north of England and beyond.