Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) is reopening its Ladies Lounge installation after winning an appeal in the state’s supreme court.
Ladies Lounge will reopen exclusively to women on 19 December for a month of celebration until 13 January. It first opened in 2020 as a piece of interactive art inspired by male-only spaces in Australia throughout history.
However, a gender discrimination lawsuit was filed by a male resident of New South Wales in April 2023. He won and Mona was ordered by Tasmania’s civil and administrative tribunal to allow “persons who do not identify as ladies” into the space.
Mona later lodged an appeal with Tasmania’s supreme court, which it won in September. To celebrate, Mona’s exhibit will reopen before moving on.
Mona said visitors to the lounge during its final month “will be beckoned through its green silk curtains to luxuriate in the pure company of women, be waited on by charming butlers, enjoy a glass of bubbles and take respite from the patriarchy”.
Kirsha Kaechele, the artist behind the exhibit, said: “Welcome back, ladies. Through the court case, the Ladies Lounge has transcended the art museum and come to life.
“People from all over the world have been invited to contemplate the experiences of women throughout history and today.
“It is time to celebrate in the place where it all began – with the dedicated adoration of our butlers and copious amounts of champagne to toast this incredible chapter!”
“Welcome back, ladies”
Mona said men are still not permitted entry to the exhibit, but a limited few can be of service if they join a digital ballot on Mona’s app.
Kaechele added: “The physical expression of the Ladies Lounge at Mona is coming to an end, but the Ladies Lounge is a living artwork. It could appear anywhere at any time, especially in centres of male power.”
In addition to reopening the installation, Kaechele is releasing a limited edition fragrance called The Verdict, the scent of victory. This is made by The Raconteur for “the lady who appeals”. It will be available to buy from Mona’s shop when the lounge reopens.
Images courtesy of Mona
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