Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art

MIMA is a contemporary art gallery in central Middlesbrough, run by Teesside University. It opened in 2007 on the site of earlier galleries and craft centres that had served the town since the 1870s. The building was designed by Erick van Egeraat and completed in 2006. It replaced temporary homes for the collection, including a former doctor’s surgery and a converted church. Before that, pieces were shown in libraries and Mechanics’ Institutes across the town. The gallery’s development followed the closure of the Cleveland Gallery and Cleveland Crafts Centre in 2003. MIMA’s value lies in its growing collection and public programme. The Middlesbrough Collection holds works from the 19th century to today, many inherited from earlier institutions. It includes pieces by Frank Auerbach, Tracey Emin, David Hockney and Gwen John. In 2015, Tees Valley Arts added works by Vivan Sundaram and Len Tabner. The gallery has also hosted major touring shows, including Artist Rooms exhibitions with artists such as Gerhard Richter and Louise Bourgeois. A notable moment came in 2009 when Top Gear’s presenters held an automotive art show that drew record crowds. Visitors find a bright, flexible space with galleries, a café-bar and a roof terrace. There is an education suite and an auditorium for talks and events. The building also houses collection stores and a conservation studio. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, often featuring emerging and established artists. The gallery’s programme includes offsite projects while the building was under construction. Its location makes it easy to reach in the town centre, close to other cultural sites.