A groundbreaking new iteration of Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is set to debut in Bangkok, promising to be both unconventional and one-of-a-kind.
The bustling Thai capital is no stranger to contemporary art, already hosting prominent events like the Bangkok Art Biennale.
Leigh Carmichael, the innovative mind behind MONA’s sister company DarkLab, shared that this expansion will infuse the enchanting creative energy of the Hobart museum into a fresh and exciting setting.
He expressed, “The venture will both stand out and captivate, showcasing internationally acclaimed artists while fostering rich, meaningful exchanges with Thai creatives, audiences, and cultural practices.”
Mona, which made its debut in 2011, was an ambitious creation by entrepreneur David Walsh, nestled in scenic bushland along the River Derwent.
Popular with visitors for its provocative installations including the famed wall of vulvas, MONA is also the creative force behind Hobart’s mid-winter Dark Mofo festival, which features the city’s annual nude solstice swim.
It’s intended for the Thai museum to be constructed on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
Thai real estate company Asset World Corp, majority-owned by billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, will partner in the development.
The two parties have signed a memorandum of understanding in Bangkok.
“Having spent most of the last 25 years studying how museums work, AWC has presented us with a remarkable opportunity to take what we’ve learned to one of the great tourist centres of the world,” White said.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff has welcomed the landmark partnership, describing it as a defining moment for the island state’s cultural and economic future.
Speaking in Bangkok, he said the project would create economic and cultural activity for Tasmania and strengthen ties with Thailand.
“MONA has transformed Tasmania, attracting visitors from around the world and helping establish the State as a globally recognised creative destination,” Rockliff said.
“MONA’s next project places Tasmania at the global forefront of the cultural landscape and is a credit to the passion of David Walsh, Leigh Carmichael and all the MONA team.”
It’s understood AWC and MONA first connected during a 2025 Tasmanian government trade and investment mission.
After more than four years of construction, MONA opened its new library featuring Walsh’s personal collection in June.
With a price tag of more than $100 million, the half-underground extension features an R-rated section and original handwritten David Bowie lyrics.
Its creation involved the excavation of eight Olympic swimming pools’ worth of rubble.