Tasmania’s iconic Mona sued over male access to its ‘ladies lounge’: ‘A response to imbalance’

A clash gender, art, and discrimination, has played out in a legal battle over an iconic Aussie museum’s “ladies lounge”.

In a clash of perspectives on gender, art, and discrimination, Tasmania’s Museum of Old and New Art finds itself embroiled in a legal battle over its exclusive “ladies lounge”.

The dispute, ignited by New South Wales visitor Jason Lau, could potentially lead to the closure of the opulent, women-only space, with a debate about inclusivity in the art world playing out in court.

Mr Lau’s grievances came to light after he purchased a ticket to Tasmania’s renowned Mona, as the museum is known, only to find himself excluded from experiencing an artwork curated by the museum’s “first lady”, Kirsha Kaechele.

Mona, a museum in Tasmania, is facing legal action over its exclusive ‘ladies’ lounge’. Picture: Mona/Jesse Hunniford

Mona is largely considered a must-visit destination in the Tasmanian capital.

Its owner, eccentric professional gambler, art collector, and businessman David Walsh, describes it as “a subversive adult Disneyland”.

Notable attractions within the partially underground art museum include a mechanical replica of a human digestive system (poo and all) and a wall of vulvas sculpted in porcelain.

Mona’s website describes the emerald-curtained ladies’ lounge as a “tremendously lavish space in our museum in which women can indulge in decadent nibbles, fancy tipples, and other ladylike pleasures — hosted and entertained by the fabulous butler”.

After realising he would be excluded from experiencing the exhibit, Mr Lau promptly lodged a complaint with Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, igniting a legal standoff that reached the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The legal dispute was ignited by a complaint lodged by Jason Mr Lau, who was excluded from experiencing an artwork curated by Mona’s ‘first lady,’ Kirsha Kaechele (centre). Picture: Chris Kidd

Ms Kaechele argued that the ladies’ lounge serves as a sanctuary for women, addressing the historical exclusion and imbalance in artistic representation. Picture: Jesse Hunniford

During the Tuesday hearing, Ms Kaechele, supported by a cohort of about 25 women, aired her belief in the necessity of the women-only lounge as a statement against the prevailing male dominance in the art realm.

“The ladies’ lounge serves as a sanctuary for women, addressing the historical exclusion and imbalance in artistic representation,” she said during her testimony.

Mr Lau, representing himself via video link, reiterated his surprise and disappointment at being denied access solely based on his gender.

“Any lay person would expect that if you buy a ticket, you would expect the provision of goods and services in line with the law,” he argued.

The women-only ladies' lounge at Mona. The dispute has sparked a debate about inclusivity in the art world. Picture: Jesse Hunniford

The interpretation of Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act is central to the legal dispute. Picture: Jesse Hunniford

Central to the legal dispute is the interpretation of Tasmania’s Anti-Discrimination Act, with Mona’s lawyer, Catherine Scott, contending that the ladies’ lounge falls under an exemption allowing for programs promoting equal opportunity for disadvantaged groups.

Ms Scott argued that altering the lounge’s exclusionary policy would fundamentally alter the nature of the artwork itself.

During the hearing, Ms Kaechele offered insight into her creative process and the motivations behind the ladies’ lounge.

For her, the space stands against traditional power dynamics and provides a celebration of female solidarity.

“Women have historically been marginalised in spaces of influence,” she said.

“The ladies’ lounge is a response to that imbalance.”

Kirsha Kaechele’s legal counsel argued exclusion in itself was a ‘part of the experience’. Picture: Mona/Jesse Hunniford

In her testimony, Ms Kaechele emphasised the lounge’s role in fostering a sense of empowerment and camaraderie among women, transcending conventional boundaries of gender identity.

However, Mr Lau remained steadfast in his plea for inclusivity, advocating for either the removal of the lounge, the cessation of gender-based exclusion, or the implementation of a two-tiered ticketing system.

Ms Scott underscored the nuanced nature of the artwork, suggesting that Mr Lau’s experience of exclusion itself constituted a facet of the artwork’s message.

“Part of the experience is being denied something that is desired,” she argued.

The Mercuryreported there were theatrics in court as Ms Kaechele’s large entourage left the hearing. Dressed predominantly in blue power suits and pearls, her supporters performed a synchronised exit to the rhythm of Robert Palmer’s “Simply Irresistible”.

Deputy President Grueber is expected to give his decision on the matter in the coming days.

Originally published as Tasmania’s iconic Mona sued over male access to its ‘ladies lounge’: ‘A response to imbalance’