The article considers the qualities of mimesis in contemporary exhibition projects. Aspects of imitation in contemporary art mainly do not come from the sphere of classical mimesis, but some mimetic functions are stored in the concept of a curator. Postmodern simulacrum as a kind of mimesis is an obvious characteristic of contemporary art and is reflected in exhibition projects, which are aimed not to understanding of modern artistic situation, but to creating public effect and media response. But the tradition of mimesis, essentially different from the phenomenon of simulacrum, also exists and manifests itself in exhibition concepts, focused on reflection about contemporary cultural realities, as well as on the creation of a logical contextual base for the contemporary art.