Tadao Ando’s Striking MPavilion Structure Is Staying in Melbourne

If you can’t afford a plane ticket to see Naoshima Island in Japan this year, don’t worry too much. The striking work of Japanese architect Tadao Ando is now staying at MPavilion until March 2025.

The Pritzker-winning architect made his Aussie debut last year with the commission, which sits in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens. The concrete structure is a garden oasis in the city, with a 14-metre canopy, a semi-enclosed space and a reflective pool inside.

“Being able to admire the work of world-renowned architect Tadao Ando is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp. “It seems only natural Melburnians get to enjoy the incredible space for one more year.”

In a statement, award-winning Ando said he wanted the space to encourage encounters between people and the natural world.

“My hope is for MPavilion to not only spark conversations and new interactions but to become a lasting part of Melbourne’s community”

The self-taught architect is known for moulding concrete into simple geometric shapes that complement a building’s natural surroundings. Over his near 60-year career, Ando has designed museums, convention centres, resorts and theatres around the world. His most recognisable work might be the Chichu Art Museum, an underground network of five art galleries built into the hillside of the Japanese island of Naoshima.

See Tadao Ando's commission at Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne or plan your visit at mpavilion.org.

Additional reporting by Ethan Hughes.

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