Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art to host Magical Bobeam Tree in Partnership with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

This winter, The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood is working with MIMA (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) and the National Portrait Gallery to bring the magical Bobeam Tree to the North East.

MIMA will welcome families to experience this playful and imaginative installation, designed for babies and children aged 0–5, from 4 November 2025 until February 2026.

The Bobeam Tree is a magical tree which—so the story goes—grows when surrounded by children’s imaginations and stories.

It was first unveiled as part of a special trail opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales at the National Portrait Gallery earlier this year, and is now on tour in museums and galleries across the UK.

Each venue is creating its own trail and experiences around the tree to help babies and young children connect with their collections.

MIMA is the first venue in this nationwide series and has developed its trails in partnership with Jo Graham of Learning Unlimited, Hemlington Hall Primary School, and the National Literacy Trust. The museum will offer a suite of Bobeam trails and activities exploring the Middlesbrough Collection of artworks, all designed for babies and children under five, and the grown-ups who accompany them.

The programme is inspired by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood’s Shaping Us Framework, which highlights the importance of nurturing social and emotional skills in the early years. This period, from pregnancy to age five, is when our brains develop fastest and are most receptive to external influences.

Families are invited to visit MIMA and discover a space where imagination grows and everyday joy comes to life.

Learn more: http://www.mima.art