Another trophy on MUMA's mantle

Since relocating from the Clayton to the Caulfield campus at the end of 2010, the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) has received a number of accolades recognising the architecture and design of the new museum.

Most recently, the Ian Potter Sculpture Court adjoining the museum has received an Urban Design Award from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA). The courtyard was designed by landscape architect Simon Ellis.

The landscaping, which was made possible through the support of the Ian Potter Foundation, saw the transformation of a lifeless car-park into a space which plays an important part in the daily exchange of campus life and the MUMA program. The design incorporates pre-existing trees and a rainwater garden to create a design concept based on a series of layers operating at the scales of the campus, the site and the body.

In announcing the honour, bestowed as part of the 2011 AILA Victoria Landscape Architecture Awards, the AILA commended the elegant execution, clean lines, and the integration of architecture and art.

MUMA, which was designed by Kerstin Thompson Architects, is located within the heart of the art, design and architecture precinct at the Caulfield campus. The subtle transformation of an existing modernist building has created a vibrant and flexible space in which artists, curators, students and visitors can congregate.

Throughout 2011, the museum’s design has also been recognised by two major Victorian Architecture Awards, the Marion Mahoney Award for interior architecture and a Public Architecture, Alterations and Additions Award. The Museum has been praised for its layered spaces, and their ability conceal and reveal, as well as the interplay between the internal gallery spaces and the Ian Potter Sculpture Court outside.

Since opening at Caulfield, MUMA has presented eleven exhibitions of contemporary and modern art – including major new paintings by Juan Davila; an installation and series of breakfasts by Japanese artist Midori Mitamura; and the group exhibition Networks (cells & silos) which brought together contemporary artists from Australia and around the world to explore the connections between art, science, nature and technology within an increasingly networked society. 

For most of 2011 the Ian Potter Sculpture Court was home to the eight metre long robot, R.U.R, a sculpture by Melbourne artist Ronnie van Hout, and more sculpture commissions are planned for 2012. 

Following a successful first year at Caulfield, MUMA’s director Max Delany envisages that the new museum and Ian Potter Sculpture Court will continue to serve as a platform for MUMA to establish inspiring links between the University, the art world and the wider community.

MUMA’s current exhibitions continue until 17 December 2011. For more information, including details on current and upcoming exhibitions, visit the MUMA website.