Artist Kirsha Kaechele is reopening the ‘Ladies Lounge’ at MONA for a month-long celebration following a successful Supreme Court battle.
The lounge, which was the subject of an anti-discrimination complaint brought forward by a man who was told he couldn’t go in, will be open exclusively to women from December 19 until mid-January.
Kaechele closed the lounge after a tribunal ruled that it must stop “refusing entry to persons who do not identify as ladies”.
That decision was later overturned by the Supreme Court of Tasmania.
“Welcome back, ladies. Through the court case, the Ladies Lounge has transcended the art museum and come to life,” Kaechele said.
“People from all over the world have been invited to contemplate the experiences of women throughout history and today.”
She encouraged visitors to join the “living installation” and take “respite from the patriarchy”.
Men are still not permitted entry, although a select few will have the opportunity to serve ladies if they “queue nicely” via ballot on Mona’s app.
The Ladies Lounge will be open from Thursday, December 19 until Monday, January 13.
