A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus ( 10 ) includes a couch ( 54 ) for supporting a region of interest of a subject ( 44 ) being examined in an examination region. In one form, a main magnet for generating a substantially uniform temporally constant main magnetic field through the examination region includes a stationary pole piece ( 24 ), a movable pole piece ( 22 ), a ferrous flux return path ( 26 ), and a magnetic flux generator that selectively generates magnetic flux that flows between the pole pieces ( 22, 24 ) through the examination region and through the ferrous flux return path ( 26 ) which connects the pole pieces ( 22, 24 ). The stationary pole piece ( 24 ) is arranged adjacent a first side of the examination region. The movable pole piece ( 22 ) is arranged to be selectively moved between a first position adjacent a second side of the examination region opposite the stationary pole piece ( 24 ) so that the stationary and movable pole pieces ( 24, 22 ) define the examination region therebetween, and a second position remote from the examination region. In other forms, the entire magnet is movable away from the examination region.