MONA - Tasmania
Mindful of the recent bushfires we decided that it was prudent to stay in Hobart for the last three days of our holiday. Day one, we made our way, by ferry, to MONA. A thirty minute trip upstream landed visitors at a jetty with ninety plus steps that led to the museum's entrance. Architecture of a robust and almost fortress-like style dominated our approach. Eyes were focused on MONA's steel battlements that topped sloping, rust glazed, walls. Walls that rose high above the surrounding river demanded everyone's attention. Upon entry, visitors were briefed, re the technology provided and its navigation. Technology provided access to print and or audio descriptions of exhibits and displays. Once inside the individual galleries, at the press of a button the headset technology provided detailed summaries of artworks. MONA had been sited deep into the sandstone and its walls within were unmistakably pyramid-like in stature. Corridors and hanging walkways further supported this notion. Galleries were calm and serene as visitors sought to understand their surrounds. In some places chambers unfolded as they do in the Louvre. The central glass lift, round in shape, delivered tourists quickly and efficiently between chambers. The enormity of MONA, its overwhelming architecture and its vast range of artworks should be afforded a day or more if one is to sample all of its features. I am pleased that we had pre-booked and purchased tickets prior to our arrival as it expedited our entry with pleasing efficiency. In a carpark I noted the sense of humour of our host and reflected on his contributions to art.
Mindful of the recent bushfires we decided that it was prudent to stay in Hobart for the last three days of our holiday. Day one, we made our way, by ferry, to MONA. A thirty minute trip upstream landed visitors at a jetty with ninety plus steps that led to the museum's entrance. Architecture of a robust and almost fortress-like style dominated our approach. Eyes were focused on MONA's steel battlements that topped sloping, rust glazed, walls. Walls that rose high above the surrounding river demanded everyone's attention. Upon entry, visitors were briefed, re the technology provided and its navigation. Technology provided access to print and or audio descriptions of exhibits and displays. Once inside the individual galleries, at the press of a button the headset technology provided detailed summaries of artworks. MONA had been sited deep into the sandstone and its walls within were unmistakably pyramid-like in stature. Corridors and hanging walkways further supported this notion. Galleries were calm and serene as visitors sought to understand their surrounds. In some places chambers unfolded as they do in the Louvre. The central glass lift, round in shape, delivered tourists quickly and efficiently between chambers. The enormity of MONA, its overwhelming architecture and its vast range of artworks should be afforded a day or more if one is to sample all of its features. I am pleased that we had pre-booked and purchased tickets prior to our arrival as it expedited our entry with pleasing efficiency. In a carpark I noted the sense of humour of our host and reflected on his contributions to art.
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