MPavilion 2023 opens in Melbourne

MPavilion, the flagship initiative of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation, has unveiled its milestone tenth pavilion, designed by internationally renowned, Pritzker Prize Laureate, Tadao Ando. The design for MPavilion 10—Ando’s first ever project in Australia—reflects the architect’s striking geometric interventions in nature and his precise, assured use of concrete. In 2023, the annual five-month festival of free public programs will feature a myriad of activations, collaborations, community projects, installations, performances, talks, workshops and experiences for young and old.  

Tadao Ando, architect of MPavilion 10, said: “I am honoured to have completed my first project in Australia, and to have created a piece of living architecture that will have such an important role in the cultural life of Melbourne this summer. I hope that as people visit, they allow this space to enter their hearts, and allow their senses to tune into the light and breezes interacting with them and this space. I hope for them an experience of harmony with nature, with themselves, and with others.”

Naomi Milgrom AC, founder of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation and MPavilion Commissioner, said: “There is a magic moment each season when an architectural vision becomes built reality, and when we welcome the public, who gets to engage directly with the innovative space created by inspired architects. Tadao Ando has designed a new, iconic destination in Melbourne, one that will serve as both a contemplative spot, a temporary refuge from the bustle of the city, and as a dynamic site for creative discovery and vigorous discussion for those attending our public program.”

Positioned within Melbourne’s cultural and botanic garden precinct, MPavilion 10 offers a memorable structure that stands in dialogue with its surrounding park setting to create a space in harmony with nature. MPavilion 10 features a large canopy, a 14.4-metre aluminium-clad disc resting on a central concrete column. Concrete walls of varying lengths partially enclose the space to create a tranquil sanctuary reminiscent of a traditional Japanese walled garden. A long (16,000mm x 225mm) horizontal opening running both the length of the north and south walls frames picturesque views of downtown Melbourne and its parklands, connecting the city and the lush greenery of the Queen Victoria Gardens to Pavilion 10’s interior. The geometric forms and symmetry are reinformed by an internal arrangement that is half paved and half reflecting pool, which mirrors the pavilion canopy, sky, city and surrounding nature.

Led by Tadao Ando, the construction of MPavilion 10 was a significant global collaboration between Japanese and Australian architects, engineers and builders—including Sean Godsell, principal of Sean Godsell Architects, who was appointed earlier this year as MPavilion 10’s executive architect in Australia.

As always, commissions lie at the heart of MPavilion’s programming. Since the first edition in 2014, the Naomi Milgrom Foundation has selected extraordinary architects, artists, creatives and designers to produce new works for each season. Using the pavilions as inspiration, MPavilion’s commissions create a cohesive designed environment, adding to the rich conversations taking place across the season. For its tenth anniversary, MPavilion has selected ten creatives and artists to create new works marking its milestone season, including Melbourne-based designers, Davidov Architects; collaborative research project and micro-label, DNJ Paper; and distinguished Yorta Yorta soprano and composer, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO.

Discover MPavilion 10 in the Queen Victoria Gardens until March 28, 2024. MPavilion’s program is open to all and always free.