Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus

A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a main magnet comprising a frame connected between two magnetic elements having substantially parallel faces that face each other so as to define a gap between the magnetic elements, said magnetic elements comprising magnetic poles of opposite polarities for generating a static magnetic field in the gap, a supporting member for supporting said frame in a predetermined position relative to a substantially horizontal floor, and patient supporting means for supporting a patient so that a part of the patient that is to be examined is located in the gap, wherein the supporting member is arranged so as to support the frame in such a position that the normals to the planes of the substantially parallel faces of the magnetic elements extend in a direction that encloses an angle between 30.degree. and 60.degree. with the vertical direction, and wherein with the frame supported in said position the patient supporting means is arranged for supporting a patient in a lying position such that the longitudinal direction of the patient is substantially horizontal.