Museum of Old and New Art
Nonda Katsalidis · Hobart, Australia · 2011
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Australia, is known for its distinctive subterranean design and stark, contrasting material palette. Completed in 2011, this private museum is largely carved into a sandstone cliff face, with its exhibition spaces deliberately disorienting and unconventional, reflecting its owner's approach to art display. The architecture prioritizes the experience of the art by creating a dramatic and immersive environment. The building's visible exterior features bold geometric forms and a restrained materials palette, often incorporating Corten steel and concrete, which harmonize with the rugged Tasmanian landscape. Its design deliberately subverts traditional museum typologies, aiming to provoke and challenge visitors through both its architectural form and its controversial art collection.