From the land down under to Bangkok, the unconventional MONA museum confirms a new Chao Phraya riverside location set to open by 2029. 

MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is bringing its rebellious sensibility from Australia to Bangkok. A joint venture between MONA and Thai developer Asset World Corporation, the new Chao Phraya riverside location is set to complete construction within three years, ahead of its 2029 launch.

Last Friday, founder David Walsh joined Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff in Bangkok to sign a new partnership agreement with Asset World Corporation. The deal officially locks in plans to bring a new branch of Walsh’s Museum of Old and New Art – which he originally opened in Hobart back in 2011 – to the Thai capital.

Known for filling his venues with everything from classical antiquities to provocative contemporary installations like his infamous wall of porcelain vulvas, Walsh has also made waves running Tasmania’s mid-winter festival Dark Mofo. This new Bangkok venture was finalised at a high-profile ceremony attended by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Minister of Culture Sabeeda Thaised.

MONA Bangkok is part of a bigger push by Asset World Corporation to liven up the city’s riverside and turn it into a proper cultural hotspot. The plans also feature a cross-river-themed cable car, which is set to be the first of its kind in the world to meet internationally recognised sustainability standards.

Also in attendance was DarkLab CEO Leigh Carmichael, who will supervise the project for MONA. He noted that MONA Bangkok will showcase international artists alongside local talent, fostering a creative dialogue among Thai creators anchored in a single theme: light.