Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has announced it is developing “a major new art destination” on the riverbank of Bangkok in Thailand, working together with Thai-based Asset World Corp Public Company Limited (AWC).
Early renderings of the MONA Bangkok building, developed by Melbourne-based Six Degrees Architects, show two monumental, triangular forms surrounded by a moat of water.
According to MONA’s project lead, DarkLab CEO and creative director Leigh Carmichael, the new Bangkok museum is intended to help “strengthen the city’s position as a global art destination.”
“MONA Bangkok will take the creative spirit of MONA into a new context,” he said. “Like the museum in Hobart, it will be unconventional and unique, and will present work by leading international artists, while also creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue with Thai artists, audiences and cultural traditions.”
Carmichael added that the museum will explore “the theme of light … both as a physical phenomenon and as a metaphor.”
“Light has long been a source of fascination, reflection and hope across cultures, and it feels especially resonant in Bangkok, with its rich cultural life and traditions,” he noted. “I’m looking forward to listening, learning and seeing where this project leads as it develops.”
Direction for the project will be provided by MONA founder David Walsh, who has worked with Carmichael for over 20 years, establishing the MONA brand, Dark Mofo festival and the In The Hanging Garden cultural precinct.
Walsh described the project as “a remarkable opportunity to take what we’ve learned to one of the great tourist centres of the world.”
Opening in 2011, the Tasmanian institution has been visited by over 5.2 million people, a media communique from MONA notes.
“MONA has transformed Tasmania, attracting visitors from around the world and helping establish the state as a globally recognised creative destination,” Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.
Last month, the museum unveiled a new library wing, designed by architect Nonda Katsalidis.
Reflecting on the collaboration with MONA for the Bangkok museum, AWC CEO and president Wallapa Traisorat commented, “Together, we are building more than a new destination – we are creating a bridge between Thailand and Australia through a shared vision, a passion for art, a shared commitment to sustainable tourism and a belief in the power of culture to connect people.
“We are excited to welcome MONA to Bangkok to create a world-class cultural landmark that inspires creativity, fosters meaningful artist communities, and encourages more people to discover new experiences. By bringing together art, innovation and hospitality, MONA Bangkok will strengthen the creative industry and enhance Thailand as the leading global sustainable destination.”
Rockliff voiced his hope for the project to also strengthen Tasmania’s international profile and create future opportunities for tourism.
“We look forward to people being inspired to come to Tasmania to experience MONA after visiting this project in Bangkok,” he said. “Every visitor inspired by this project in Thailand is a potential future visitor to Tasmania.”
MONA has said that details on the project will be announced in due course.