Coronavirus: David Walsh to close Mona museum indefinitely

Mona this morning have released an official statement on their temporary closure “for the foreseeable future”.

LATEST:

MONA this morning have released an official statement on their temporary closure “for the foreseeable future”.

Mark Wilsdon, Mona co-CEO said the closure, which begins tomorrow, after Mona’s usual closure today (Tuesday) is the best decision because it will ensure the health and safety of staff and visitors.

“In these exceptional and unprecedented circumstances, our priority is to do what we can as early as possible in the interests of public health, and that means closing Mona at this stage,” he said.

“We will continue to review our options, with more information to come. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to take care of themselves and each other.”

Mona owner and founder David Walsh made a statement after the news broke late last night of the museum’s closure.

EARLIER:

MONA owner David Walsh will close his famous museum site indefinitely as the coronavirus crisis continues.

It’s understood an announcement is due to be made tomorrow.

The Mercury has obtained an email from ferry operator Navigators, which runs the Mona Roma ferries, informing staff of the museum’s impending closure.

MORE NEWS:

• ROLLING BLOG: SCHOOLS MAKE A CALL OVER CLOSURES
• TASSIE GPs CALL FOR STRONGER MEASURES
• RSL CANCELS ANZAC DAY SERVICES
• DANCING WITH STARS COUPLE AWAIT VIRUS TEST RESULTS

The email sent to staff this afternoon said the company had just been informed Mona would be closing indefinitely from Wednesday.

Mona (Museum of Old and New Art.

“We are sharing this with you prior to the official announcement,” the email from company owner John Roche said.

“David Walsh will be announcing this to the public tomorrow. Naturally, this means that we will also be closing Hobart operations on Wednesday.”

Mr Roche said shifts would be honoured until Monday, March 23.

It follows news earlier this month that the popular Dark Mofo winter festival would be cancelled because of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus.

Navigators staff were told at a meeting this evening that the business would be working very hard to remain viable “despite the significant loss to income expected this year”.

Permanent staff would be given as much work as possible on other projects.

Mona has been contacted for comment.