Mona’s Kirsha Kaechele says Ladies’ Lounge could go on tour

Mona’s Kirsha Kaechele was quick to pour water on rumours her controversial Ladies’ Lounge would close. Here’s what’s next for the exclusive exhibit.

The days of Mona’s exclusive Ladies’ Lounge look to be numbered at the museum, as artist Kirsha Kaechele considers the possibility of taking the controversial exhibit on tour.

Speaking with ABC News Radio on Sunday morning, Kaechele said the lounge would close after a last hurrah in November, but later took to social media to clarify her statement.

Kirsha Kaechele after the decision. Mona ladies lounge appeal verdict at the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“Don’t believe everything you hear. I said something on the radio and somehow ended up with a headline: ‘Mona Ladies Lounge to Close’ (eye roll),” she said in an Instagram post.

“Bad idea, being recorded at 7.30am on your birthday.

“I guess I should clarify: The Ladies Lounge is closed to men. Forever. It may change locations … go on tour.

“And I love Paris. Maybe the Ladies Lounge should visit the Pompidou!”

The women-only ladies' lounge at Mona. Picture: Jesse Hunniford

On Monday a Mona spokeswoman told the Mercury the exhibition’s time at the museum would be coming to an end, but details about the move and timeline were yet to be determined.

The exclusive lounge has been the subject of recent controversy after NSW man Jason Lau launched a discrimination case, claiming he had suffered when refused entry.

Kirsha Kaechele leads supporters into court. Mona ladies lounge appeal verdict at the Supreme Court of Tasmania in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) ruled in his favour, and said not letting Mr Lau into the Ladies’ Lounge was “direct discrimination”, which is prohibited by the Act.

But late last month that decision was overturned by the Supreme Court, which ruled the tribunal had made errors in its “mischaracterisation of what the Ladies Lounge was designed to promote and how that was intended to be achieved”.

Acting Justice Shane Marshall said “the Ladies Lounge was designed to provide women with an exclusive space where they receive positive advantage as distinct from the general societal disadvantage they experience as evidenced by the Report Card.”

Mr Lau has the option of appealing the Supreme Court finding.

Further details about the artworks “tour” will be announced after the time for appeal expires in several weeks.

Originally published as Mona’s Kirsha Kaechele says Ladies’ Lounge could go on tour