The Building: The guys at MONA don’t want you to feel like you’re stepping into a museum, they want you to feel at home. The main part of the MONA is based around two heritage-listed houses that were designed in the 1950s by one of Australia’s leading architects – Roy Grounds.
The outside boasts roof gardens, a tennis court and stunning views of the River Derwent. But what catches my eye is the car park signage – the disability parking spots are reserved for “GOD” and “GOD’S MISTRESS”.
Undeterred, I move through the entrance and am surprised to find that God’s entire house is underground. It’s carved into the sandstone rock face, a stunning living wall with water trickling down the sides.
I make my way down the 14-metre spiral staircase to the bottom level called The Void. It’s here that I find a bar! My advice: stop for a drink – you’ll need it.
The Exhibition: ‘Monanism’ is the permanent collection – a mixture of old and new that sees me smiling one minute and mouth-agape in shock the next. On display is anything from traditional oil paintings to pornography to 19th Century Tongan barkcloths.
I wander through Egyptian artefacts from 600 BCE, past Sidney Nolan’s Snake and then stumble upon a poo-machine that actually feeds and defecates. There’s an inflated cartoon-like Porsche Carrera on one floor and the cast of a dead horse slung over a hanging rope on another.
The O: There are no signs at MONA. Instead of being told what to think as I view each artwork I’m given an iPhone that contains the O Tour, providing as much or as little information as I want. There’s a summary, an ‘art wank’ section with more information and audio interviews with the artists. The sweetest part is being able to save my entire O Tour and relive it at home, showing friends a teaser of what to expect.
MONA isn’t just a museum. It has a microbrewery, a winery, a multi-award winning restaurant, and boutique accommodation. Whatever your poison, you’ll find it here.
See: mona.net.au
