Mona’s new wing delighting visitors

THE Pharos secret is out, with crowds impressed by the new offering at Mona.

The new Pharos wing at Mona (left). Picture: MONA/JESSE HUNNIFORD

THE Pharos secret is out.

Mona’s new wing opened late last month but rather than announcing the opening, the museum wanted visitors to discover it for themselves.

“I think in a world where everything is built up and explained, that sense of discovery is very difficult to keep,” Mona senior curator Nicole Durling said.

The building, which blends with the original museum but is also different, has been wowing visitors and Ms Durling said she had enjoyed watching their reactions.

Pharos houses four works by American artist James Turrell.

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“The architecture and artworks were ­developed together,” she said.

Turrell’s medium is light, and the $32 million Pharos has been described by Mona owner David Walsh as “a temple to light, to the history of ideas, a processional ... and a journey through the birth canal”.

Unseen Seen by James Turrell in Pharos at Mona. Picture: JESSE HUNNIFORD

While the original museum has one window, which is often blocked out, Pharos has big windows with views across the Derwent and to kunanyi/Mt Wellington.

But Ms Durling said its architecture blended in seamlessly, so much so some ­returning visitors did not realise it was new.

“It almost looks like [it] was intended to be part of that original building,” she said.

Pharos also includes a work by Randy ­Polumbo, commissioned especially for the space, as well as previously acquired works by Richard Wilson, Jean Tinguely and Nam June Paik.

Ms Durling said another specially commissioned piece, this one by Charles Roth would open soon.

Construction will also continue at Mona.

Ms Durling said further tunnels would be added, hopefully by the end of the year.

Pharos also includes a tapas bar.