title: Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service
text: # Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service
  
  Colchester and Ipswich Museums Service (CIMS) was established in 2007 to provide joint services to the residents of Ipswich and Colchester. Colchester Borough Council was the designated lead authority.
  
  CIMS runs seven venues:
  
  ## Resource Centre
  
  The CIMS Resource Centre is based in Colchester. Over 100 artworks are kept here.
  
  ## Colchester heritage venues
  
  * Colchester Castle, Castle Park
  * Hollytrees Museum, Castle Park
  * Colchester Natural History Museum, High Street
  
  ## Ipswich heritage venues
  
  CIMS manages three properties belonging to Ipswich Borough Council
  
  * Christchurch Mansion
  * Ipswich Art Gallery
  * Ipswich Museum
  