MiMa is a museum of mineralogy and mathematics in Oberwolfach, in the central Black Forest in southern Germany. The museum was opened on 30 January 2010 on the site of the mineral museum after a two-year conversion and expansion phase. It is operated jointly by the municipality of Oberwolfach, the Oberwolfach Society of the Friends of Minerals and Mining and the Mathematics Research Institute, Oberwolfach.
The idea is to unite the two distinct features of the region in one interactive museum: the Black Forest minerals of the Society of Friends of Minerals and Mining, Oberwolfach, the knowledge of the Mathematics Research Institute, Oberwolfach.
The museum not only displays minerals from the Black Forest and insights into mathematics, but also the links between these two fields. Interactive installations help to elucidate the themes of symmetry and crystallography.
The MiMa houses minerals and mining artefacts from the whole of the Black Forest with an emphasis on minerals from the nearby Clara Pit, using films and information. A scale model shows the interior of the interior of the mine with mining galleries and shafts down to sea level. There is information on the ores extracted and there technical usage.
Other exhibits:
In the field of mathematics, the subject areas of crystallography and symmetry are explained using interactive programmes. In addition, there is a selection of exhibits from the prize-winning exhibition IMAGINARY (Land of Ideas Prize, 2009) and an installation with historical information about the Oberwolfach Mathematical Research Institute.
Other exhibits:
In a film room, films from the world of minerals and mathematics are shown. The museum shop sells minerals and books. Special exhibitions and cultural events fill out the programme.