The museum in Stewart Park has received £239,551 from Arts Council England’s Museum Renewal Fund.
The money will allow the museum to open this winter and support moving the Australia Gallery to a more accessible location.
Marketing of the museum service will increase and the cash will also support development of ambitious plans for a new venue in Stewart Park.
Cllr Philippa Storey, Deputy Mayor and Executive member for Culture at Middlesbrough Council, welcomed the announcement.
“Our relationship with Arts Council England is incredibly important to us and this latest funding is another boost to our cultural offer,” she said.
“The Museums Renewal Fund recognises the challenges that venues like ours face and this money will help us promote our museums, open this winter and also look to the future.
“Thank you to our staff who worked hard on this bid, showing their usual enthusiasm and dedication to our venues.”
A total of £20m is being shared between 75 museum services around the country.
Museums Minister Baroness Fiona Twycross said: “Museums offer a place where people from all backgrounds can learn, be inspired and delve into our rich history, helping to understand the stories that led us to where we are today.
“The Museum Renewal Fund ensures much-loved civic museums can remain open and continue to provide opportunities for future generations to learn about our shared heritage and how their local community has played its part in our national story.”
