Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

About the museum

The Middlesbrough Collection was begun by the town's local authorities and was looked after by Middlesbrough Art Gallery, the Cleveland Gallery and the Cleveland Craft Centre. Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art was founded in 2004 to bring this collection together in a new building and it opened to the public in 2007. It stands in Centre Square in the middle of the town and is part of Teesside University.

The collection now has more than 2,350 works of art and craft by British and international artists from the mid-19th century to the present. Its main strengths are British painting made after the Second World War, contemporary American drawing, British ceramics of the 20th century, contemporary European jewellery and international installation art of the 21st century. A changing selection is always on display.

Alongside the collection the museum commissions new work and shows a programme of changing exhibitions, learning projects and community work across the Tees Valley. It is known in the region and beyond by its short name MIMA, and entry to its exhibitions is free.

Highlights

• Middlesbrough Collection of more than 2,350 works of art and craft
• British painting after the Second World War
• Twentieth-century British ceramics and contemporary European jewellery
• Contemporary installation art
• Free entry and a gallery café

Permanent exhibition

• Middlesbrough Collection – A changing selection from the collection of more than 2,350 works of art and craft, covering British and international art from the mid-19th century to today.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Teesside University

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free for all visitors and no booking is needed for general visits. Groups of ten or more are asked to email in advance.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The building is step-free from the street, the main entrance is level and automatic, and a lift serves every floor. All galleries, the café and the shop are step-free, and seating is provided in the galleries. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor. Wheelchairs, large-print guides, ear defenders and an induction loop are available on request, and videos in the galleries are captioned. A quieter space is available for visitors who need a break, and galleries are generally calm, though some exhibitions have louder sound or brighter light. Blue Badge parking is nearby in Centre Square.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Family activities include art-making sessions and the Family Art Trolley, and family-friendly guides, maps and drawing materials are offered. The building is suitable for pushchairs throughout, baby changing is available, breastfeeding is welcome anywhere and staff can help with warm water for bottles.

Getting there & parking

MIMA is well connected to the A66 and A19. Access through the MIMA Garden is limited.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Lockers

MIMA Kitchen serves homemade food to eat in or take away, and tables can be booked for busy lunchtimes. The gallery shop sells jewellery, homeware, cards, stationery, books, gifts for children and products featuring Teesside landmarks. Lockers for bags and coats are available, and there is a bike rack outside.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Several spaces in the building can be hired for events of different kinds; enquiries are made by email.

Plan your visit