David Walsh and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) announced plans Friday to establish a new museum in Bangkok, Thailand [1].
The expansion marks the first international iteration of the Hobart-based institution, signaling a global push to export its provocative and non-traditional approach to curation.
Walsh signed an agreement to set up MONA Bangkok [2]. The new gallery will be located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River [3]. This site provides a prominent waterfront presence for the museum in the Thai capital.
The project aims to replicate the spirit of the original Tasmanian site. Walsh said the new museum would be "unconventional and unique," like its Hobart museum [1].
By establishing a presence in Bangkok, the organization seeks to expand the MONA brand into Southeast Asia. The institution is known for challenging traditional museum norms through its architecture, and eclectic collections. The upcoming Thai venture is expected to follow this pattern of disruption, creating an art experience that deviates from standard gallery formats [1].
Details regarding the specific artworks to be displayed or the exact construction timeline were not included in the announcement. However, the agreement confirms the intent to bring the Hobart model to the banks of the Chao Phraya River [3].
“"unconventional and unique," like its Hobart museum”
The move to Bangkok suggests that the 'MONA model' of subversive, private-sector curation is scalable beyond the Australian market. By selecting a high-profile location on the Chao Phraya River, the museum is positioning itself to capture both the regional art scene and international tourism in Thailand.
