mca re-opening
A bigger and better MCA = more art for us!
The only thing better than Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art? An MCA that's brighter, better and about 50% bigger. These were the aims in mind when the $53 million re-development began in August 2010. With prospects of refurbishments and the addition of three spacious new galleries on the cards, even the most artistically ignorant have mustered up some much warranted enthusiasm. At the very least, there will be much more room to be utilised for horse suspension, which is enough to leave anyone anxiously awaiting the opening.
Now that the widely anticipated works are just a few short months away from completion, our eyes are turning towards the parties, launch events and art programs ahead of the opening at the end of March next year. While the 31st marks the official opening date, it's not altogether unsurprising to discover the art community will be reveling in the momentous occasion for a good while before the ribbon gets snipped. The lead-up to the grand opening has drawn attention from the international art community, which MCA director Elizabeth Ann Macgregor feels is necessary to maintain a degree of 'art-hype' whilst the museum has been closed. The week before the 31st will see the unveiling of free artist talks and public programs, not to mention the multiple exhibitions held off-site while construction is underway.
The first concurrent exhibitions on display at the new and improved museum will be 'Volume One: MCA Collection' and 'Marking Time'. The former will feature works by more than 150 Australian artists and curated by MCA Curator Glenn Barkley. 'Marking Time' is the more conceptual of the two, exploring the different artistic perceptions of time and its passing through media including drawing and watercolour, sculpture and installation, sound and light.
And now for a virtual tour!
Main image: Maurizio Cattelan's 'Novecento'.
