mima

The new Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art gallery and adjoining public square are part of the redevelopment of the town centre. To create ‘economic success and cultural diversity’ Middlesbrough’s redevelopment focused on the attraction of leisure and retail facilities, the redesign of major streets and, as a key project, the redevelopment of Middlesbrough’s central Victoria Square, including the new art gallery. The bold new gallery brings together the town’s art collections for the first time. The project is defined by a single public open space, clearly identifiable with distinct areas, that encourages active use, strengthens connections with the surrounding streets and supports pedestrian movement throughout the town centre. The creation of a layered, transparent façade enhances the openness and the visual connections between the square, the town and the gallery’s interior. The public square has been designed together with Dutch landscape architects West 8.