The accolades keep coming for MUMA
It has been a prosperous year for the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA). Over the course of the last 12 months, the museum has received a number of prestigious design accolades, most recently an Institutional Award as part of the Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA).
The IDEAs showcase the best of Australian design, with awards distributed across 14 categories.
As the country’s pre-eminent design awards program, the competition was fierce and MUMA's success is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Kerstin Thompson Architects, who designed the museum.
MUMA’s design was praised for working strategically and economically within the building's radial geometry to achieve flexible, neutral curatorial space.
Created within an existing modernist building, the architects employed a linear circulation spine to overcome the most difficult aspects of the existing structure. This spine, lined with Victorian Ash timber, creates a series of column-free gallery spaces that allow for the optimum display and appreciation of art.
In addition, the museum received praise for the interplay between the internal gallery and the Ian Potter Sculpture Court outside.
Other accolades received by the museum in 2011 include two major Victorian Architecture Awards - the Marion Mahoney Award for interior architecture and a Public Architecture, Alterations and Additions Award. In addition, the Ian Potter Sculpture Court adjoining the museum recently received an Urban Design Award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects.
Previously located at the University’s Clayton Campus, MUMA relocated to a new exhibition space at Caulfield in October 2010.
It is hoped that the museum’s extraordinary success will continue into 2012, with a number of exciting and captivating exhibitions scheduled including the Australian premiere of Hany Armanious, The Golden Thread, first presented at the prestigious Venice Biennale, and Self-Conscious – Contemporary Portraiture, both opening in February.
MUMA’s current exhibitions continue until 17 December 2011. For more information, including details on current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the MUMA website.