MPavilion 10 Tadao Ando Pavilion in Melbourne

11/16/2023 – Opens today in Melbourne, at Queen Victoria GardensWard 10 Designed by the acclaimed Pritzker Prize winner Tadao Ando.

For his first appearance on Australian soil, Tadao Ando designed a pavilion that reflects his distinctive use of nature’s striking geometric shapes and skillful use of concrete.

The pavilion’s opening kicks off the Naomi Milgrom Foundation’s five-year Public Programs Festival with more than 150 events, all free.

MPavilion, which began in 2014, has grown into one of Australia’s most visited and important festivals, attracting more than 350,000 people during its ninth season.

“There is a magical moment every year when an architectural vision becomes a built reality, and when we welcome the public to interact directly with the innovative space created by inspiring architects.” He announced Naomi Milgrom ACMPavilion Commissioner. “Tadao Ando has designed a distinctive new destination for Melbourne, which will serve as a place of contemplation, a temporary refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, and as a dynamic place of creative discovery and lively discussion for those who participate in our public programme.”

MPavilion 10, a space in harmony with the nature of the garden in which it is immersed, features a large canopy and a 14.4 meter diameter aluminum disc resting on a central concrete column.
The two stepped squares form two entrances leading to the center of the pavilion.
Concrete walls of varying lengths partially enclose the space to create a peaceful haven reminiscent of a traditional Japanese walled garden.

A long opening (about 17m x 225m) running along both the north and south walls provides views of central Melbourne and the parkland, connecting the city and the green spaces of Queen Victoria Gardens within MPavilion 10.

Geometry and symmetry are enhanced by a half-paved, half-water-mirror interior layout that reflects the pavilion canopy, sky, city and surrounding nature.

“I am honored to complete my first project in Australia and create a living piece of architecture that will play an important role in Melbourne’s cultural life this summer.” He announced Tadao Ando. “I hope that by visiting, people will allow this space to enter their hearts and allow their senses to tune in to the light and breeze that interact with them and this space. I hope that for them it will be an experience of harmony with nature, with oneself, and with others.”

Since the first edition in 2014, the Naomi Milgrom Foundation has selected exceptional architects, artists, creatives and designers to produce new buildings for each season.
Italians Traudi Belzile and Francesco Magnani from MAP Studio were also commissioned to design a pavilion,Pavilion 2021.

MPavilion 10 is free and open to the public at Queen Victoria Gardens in Melbourne From November 16 to March 28, 2024.