Image: Monash University Museum of Art, Melbourne
Monash University Museum of Art will mark the launch of ‘50 Years/50 Works: A MUMA Collection Index’ with a free public event on Saturday 5 September 2026, from 2 to 4pm at MUMA in Caulfield, Melbourne. The launch will feature a relay of talks from publication contributors, along with an opportunity to purchase the new book and related merchandise. The event is part of a wider publishing programme that reflects on the museum’s first 50 years.
Co-published by MUMA and Monash University Publishing, ‘50 Years/50 Works: A MUMA Collection Index’ brings together 50 significant works from the museum’s collection and 50 newly commissioned responses from contributors spanning MUMA’s history and wider communities of knowledge and practice. The publication is available through Monash University Publishing, which lists its publication date as 8 August 2026 and identifies the book as edited by Stephanie Berlangieri and Dr Rebecca Coates.
According to the publisher’s description, the book is structured as a handbook-style index that reconsiders how art histories are written and how collections shape understandings of contemporary Australian art. It places particular emphasis on acquisitions made since 2010, while also tracing changing collecting priorities and cultural concerns. The publication includes a comprehensive exhibition history and a complete index of artists represented in the collection.
The book’s artist list spans a wide cross-section of Australian and international contemporary practice, including Hoda Afshar, Brook Andrew, Atong Atem, Daniel Boyd, Destiny Deacon, Maree Clarke, Megan Cope, Tracey Moffatt, Archie Moore, Susan Norrie, Kathy Temin, TextaQueen, James Tylor, Judy Watson, Fred Williams and Nyapanyapa Yunupiŋu. Contributors named on the publisher and event listings include artists, authors, academics, curators, poets, museum staff and members of the Monash community.
MUMA’s launch announcement says the talks will be presented by publication contributors, including artists from the MUMA Collection, authors, academics, curators and contributors to the Australian arts across the last 50 years. The event page also notes a special launch discount: attendees can buy a MUMA Tote with ‘50 Years/50 Works: A MUMA Collection Index’ for $80, down from the usual $99, or purchase the publication on its own with 10 per cent off.
The launch follows MUMA’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and sits alongside the museum’s publishing activity at Monash University. MUMA’s website lists the museum at Ground Floor, Building F, Monash University, Caulfield Campus, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East, Victoria. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, and Saturday, 12 to 5pm, with entry always free. The museum’s website and event listing both identify the launch as a free event requiring registration.
