In a world where art courts controversy like champagne courts a crystal flute, Mona’s Ladies Lounge has emerged victorious—and is ready to celebrate in unmatched style. From December 19, 2024, to January 13, 2025, this decadent retreat will reopen for one final hurrah. But don't call it a mere farewell; this is a champagne-soaked, silk-draped act of defiance.
The (Legal) Drama That Started It All
What happens when a man knocks on the Ladies Lounge door and refuses to take “no” for an answer? Apparently, a Supreme Court case. After facing an anti-discrimination complaint, the Lounge temporarily closed rather than compromising its ethos. Kirsha Kaechele, the creative force behind the Lounge, took the fight to Tasmania’s highest court—and won. Now, with her victory in hand and bubbles in tow, the Lounge is reopening to remind the world why exclusivity sometimes serves as an art form.
“Welcome back, ladies,” Kaechele declares, as though inviting us into an 18th-century salon—but with better butlers and fewer powdered wigs. “This space transcends art; it’s an invitation to ponder the experience of women across history.” And what better way to do that than over champagne served by a charmingly obedient butler?
Men, Don’t Hold Your Breath
This isn’t a space for the fellas—unless, of course, they’re interested in donning the proverbial apron. Men are invited to serve as butlers, provided they successfully win a spot via a digital ballot on Mona’s app. The Lounge isn’t just rejecting the patriarchy; it’s asking it to pour drinks.
What’s on the Menu (Besides Bubbles)?
Behind the green silk curtains lies an artistic haven adorned with newly commissioned works, live performances, and, of course, a few surprises.
Highlights include appearances by performance artist Betty Grumble, known for her witty, unapologetic explorations of femininity, and an invitation for visitors to become part of the living installation.
Think of it as a feminist cabaret, served with a twist of surrealism.
The Scent of Success
Commemorating this chapter of artistic resistance is The Verdict, a limited-edition fragrance crafted by The Raconteur. With a bouquet of elegant florals, verdant greens, and a spicy finish, the scent embodies both the sweetness of victory and the bite of standing your ground. For anyone looking to carry a whiff of triumph into 2025, The Verdict will be available at the Mona Shop. It’s the olfactory equivalent of a mic drop.
Goodbye (For Now), But Not Forever
While this marks the end of the Lounge’s tenure at Mona, Kaechele hints that its spirit is far from retiring. “The Lounge is a living artwork,” she says. “It could appear anywhere, especially in places where male power dominates.” Translation? Keep an eye on corporate boardrooms and cigar clubs—green silk curtains may soon grace their walls.
Event Details:Dates: December 19, 2024 – January 13, 2025
Location: Mona, Tasmania
Entry: Included with museum admission (Ladies only; gentlemen, fetch your ballots)
Insider Tip: Arrive thirsty, stay fabulous, and be sure to grab a bottle of The Verdict. Because who needs roses when you can smell like revolution?
The Final Toast
The Ladies Lounge is a celebration, a statement, and a living work of art. Whether you’re there for the bubbly, the bold performances, or the sheer cheek of it all, this month-long fête promises to be as unforgettable as the legal victory that made it possible. Raise a glass—and maybe a perfectly arched eyebrow—to the end of an era and the beginning of a legend.
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Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of MONA.