Arabic version: مونا تعلن شراكة لمتحف في بانكوك مع آست وورلد كورب
Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art has announced plans to establish a version of MONA in Bangkok, signing a memorandum of understanding with a Thai real estate company for a site on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
According to SBS News, MONA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Asset World Corp, a Thai real estate company majority-owned by billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, to develop the intended museum on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Leigh Carmichael, chief executive and creative director of MONA’s subsidiary DarkLab, said the project “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,” he said.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff 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, opened in 2011 by entrepreneur David Walsh and known for provocative installations and for staging the Dark Mofo festival — which features Hobart’s annual nude solstice swim — intends the Bangkok outpost to present leading international artists while engaging with Thai audiences and cultural traditions. The two parties signed the memorandum in Bangkok, and it is understood Asset World Corp and MONA first connected during a 2025 Tasmanian government trade and investment mission.
The partnership follows recent MONA investments in Hobart, including the opening in June of a new half-underground library after more than four years of construction, featuring Walsh’s personal collection. The extension had a price tag of more than $100 million and its creation involved the excavation of eight Olympic swimming pools’ worth of rubble.
Related sections: Australia/استراليا | Tasmania | General | Social/إجتماعية | Economy/اقتصاد
