Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
MONA
An underground museum built by a billionaire gambler into a cliff above the Derwent River, featuring contemporary art themed around sex, death and provocation. Arriving by ferry is the best way to go.
MONA was privately funded by David Walsh, a Tasmanian professional gambler and art collector, and opened in 2011. It sits on the Berriedale Peninsula, 12 kilometres north of Hobart. The building extends three levels underground into a sandstone cliff. It is Australia's largest private museum and a key driver of Tasmania's tourism revival. The museum has no traditional labels. Instead, visitors use the app 'The O' to access commentary and can tap 'like' or 'dislike' on artworks. The collection mixes ancient Egyptian mummies with contemporary installations. Highlights include Wim Delvoye's digestive machine Cloaca, which 'defecates' on a set schedule each day, Julius Popp's water-curtain text work bit.fall, Sidney Nolan's serpent piece Snake, assembled from 1,620 panels, the Anselm Kiefer gallery, James Turrell's light installations, and the underground Pharos installation. Controversial works include the Ladies Lounge, open to women only. The overall atmosphere is dark, provocative and playful. The grounds also feature the Moorilla winery, the Moo Brew brewery, the restaurants The Source and Faro, outdoor installations on the lawns, and concerts. You can stay in the modern guest rooms on site. Adult entry costs about AUD 40, and Tasmanian residents enter free. You must book a timed entry slot online. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The most recommended way to reach it is by the MONA ferry from Brooke Street Pier in Hobart. The camouflage-painted ferry takes about 30 minutes, costs about AUD 30 return, and offers an upgraded 'Posh Pit' VIP cabin for extra. After you land, climb 99 steps to enter. You can also drive, which takes about 20 minutes, or take the MONA shuttle bus. Some artworks feature nudity and death, so consider this before bringing children. The museum is easy to get lost in, so allow at least 3 hours. Book ferries in advance for weekends.
Opening hours
Wed–Mon 10:00–17:00; closed Tuesdays
Nearby sights
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens
- Cascade Brewery
- Cascades Female Factory Historic Site
- kunanyi / Mount Wellington
- Farm Gate Market
- Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG)
- Mawson's Huts Replica Museum
- Constitution Dock & Hobart Waterfront