Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Step into a world of artistic wonder at the Museum of Old and New Art, a subterranean sanctuary carved into the cliffs of the Derwent River. This is David Walsh's vision brought to life, a place where ancient relics and contemporary art collide to challenge your perceptions. The atmosphere is intentionally moody and dark, leading you through labyrinthine galleries that ditch traditional labels in favour of a personalised digital experience. It is a place that thrives on provocation, exploration, and a touch of the surreal, perfect for those seeking an experience far removed from the ordinary gallery visit. Whether you are pondering deep philosophical questions or simply enjoying the architectural audacity, this museum offers an adventure that stays with you long after you leave.
Videos
History of Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
David Walsh, a professional gambler and collector with a penchant for the unconventional, built this museum to share his deeply personal and sometimes unsettling collection with the world. He wanted a space that felt like a secret, hiding the gallery deep underground to preserve the beautiful colonial buildings above on the Moorilla estate. The result is an architectural triumph that feels more like a dungeon than a gallery, where you wander through concrete tunnels and descend into the depths of the earth. This design creates a sense of anticipation and mystery that traditional museums often lack. The museum has become the heartbeat of Hobart's creative life, proving that a small city can host a world class cultural institution. By refusing to follow the rules of a traditional museum, it encourages visitors to engage with art on their own terms, whether that involves pondering the philosophical implications of a digestive machine or standing in awe before massive modernist murals. It is a place that demands a reaction, forcing you to think, feel, and occasionally laugh at the audacity of it all. Today, the museum serves as a cultural anchor for Tasmania, drawing thousands of visitors to the island every year. It has successfully blended the old and the new, keeping antiquities alongside bold contemporary installations. Through its festivals and events, it has cemented itself as a must visit destination for anyone who values creativity, risk taking, and the sheer joy of discovering something truly different.
events spanning 23 years
Fun Facts
10- 01
Its unique architectural design keeps the gallery almost entirely underground to preserve the heritage character of the property above.
- 02
The Eternity Membership program offers a truly permanent connection to the site, allowing members to be cremated and have their ashes stored in the museum cemetery.
- 03
The collection gained global notoriety for hosting the Cloaca machine, a piece that replicates the human digestive process and produces waste daily.
- 04
The gallery houses Sidney Nolan's Snake, an immense mural composed of 1,620 individual painted panels.
- 05
The museum hosts the annual Dark Mofo festival, which draws crowds for winter solstice celebrations involving art, music, and elaborate feasts.
- 06
The museum is the largest privately funded art institution in the Southern Hemisphere.
- 07
The museum was designed to be a place where visitors discover art gradually, without windows to distract from the curated atmosphere.
- 08
The site operates as a winery, brewery, and hotel alongside its function as a world class art gallery.
- 09
Visitors can arrive at the museum via a scenic ferry ride that departs from the heart of Hobart.
- 10
Visitors use a mobile application called The O to learn about the artwork instead of reading traditional wall plaques.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Established
- In 2011, making it 15 years old
- Annual Visitors
- 347,000 (2018)
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Architects
- Fender Katsalidis Architects
- Founders
- David Walsh
WEB & AMENITIES
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Museum of Old and New Art (MONA). Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) FAQ
MONA is widely known for its provocative and adult themes, including sex and death. It is generally considered more suitable for adults or mature teenagers rather than young children.
The most iconic and enjoyable way to arrive is by taking the dedicated MONA ferry from Brooke Street Pier in central Hobart.
The O is a digital guide that replaces traditional labels. It provides artist notes, curator thoughts, and the creator's personal stories, allowing you to tailor your visit based on your interests.
The museum is located within the Moorilla winery and vineyard, offering several high quality dining and drinking options on site.
Because the layout is labyrinthine and full of stairs, it is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for plenty of exploration.
A typical visit takes about 4 hours. We recommend planning your schedule accordingly to make the most of your time there.
The closest place to visit near Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is Sip Cool-Climate Wines, around 517 m away. Other things to do near Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) include Spot an Urban Platypus (5.7 km), Lady Franklin Gallery (6.1 km) and Mount Stuart Lookout (6.8 km). All of these are within roughly 6.8 km of Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
It dates back to 2011, making it 15 years old.
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) was founded by David Walsh. It was designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects.
According to the latest available data (2018), it received approximately 347,000 visitors that year.
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we recommend verifying any details independently before making decisions based on them.
Places near Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
- 517m
Sip Cool-Climate Wines
The surrounding valleys produce some of the finest Pinot Noir and sparkling wines in the country, owing to the long, cool growing seasons. Exploring a local vineyard allows you to sample elegant, highly aromatic vintages right where the grapes are grown. The tasting rooms often feature striking modern architecture and sweeping views of the river. It is a highly sophisticated experience that pairs perfectly with locally sourced cheeses and cured meats. The passion of the winemakers here is palpable in every glass.
highlight view 
5705mSpot an Urban Platypus
It is incredibly rare to find wild platypuses living so close to a capital city centre, making this a highly unique wildlife experience. By walking quietly along the shaded, historic waterway, you have a genuine chance of seeing these elusive creatures diving for food. The local community is fiercely protective of them, having successfully campaigned to clean up the waterway. It requires patience and a sharp eye, but spotting one is genuinely thrilling. The surrounding weeping willows and old stone bridges add to the magic.
highlight view
6119mLady Franklin Gallery
An incredibly unexpected piece of classic Greek revival architecture sitting quietly in a suburban park. It was originally built as a private museum by the highly intellectual wife of a controversial colonial governor. Today, it operates as a charming community gallery hosting exhibitions by local artists. The surrounding gardens feature lovely old trees and provide a wonderful spot for a quiet picnic. The stark, temple like facade is completely unique to the local architectural landscape.
hidden gem view
6754mMount Stuart Lookout
Tucked away in a quiet residential suburb, this hidden vantage point provides a fantastic mid level view over the northern suburbs and the river. It lacks the massive crowds found at the main tourist spots, making it a highly peaceful retreat. You can clearly see the layout of the sprawling residential areas and the distant farmlands. It is a fantastic spot to watch the morning fog slowly burn off the river surface. The drive up through the steep, winding suburban streets is quite fun in itself.
viewpoint view
Explore Similar Places in This Collection
Featured on These Itineraries and Routes
1 Day Hobart Itinerary
This fast paced itinerary is designed to capture the absolute essence of the city in a single day. You will experience the most iconic historic streetscapes, delve into cutting edge contemporary art, and enjoy the famous local culinary scene. It requires a bit of energy but ensures you do not miss the major cultural touchstones. You will seamlessly transition from the colonial past into the highly provocative modern era. It perfectly showcases the incredible contrast that makes the city so famous.
view itinerary
3 Days in Hobart: Culture and Nature Itinerary
This balanced schedule allows you to deeply explore the contrasting elements of raw wilderness and refined culture. You will spend time uncovering the dark convict history, summiting the towering local peak, and indulging in world class food and wine. It provides enough breathing room to actually relax and absorb the incredibly laid back local atmosphere. The itinerary spreads the major attractions out to prevent museum fatigue. It is the ideal timeframe for a comprehensive weekend getaway.
view itinerary
5 Days in Hobart: Deep Dive Itinerary
An extensive, highly rewarding itinerary that uncovers the hidden secrets and deeper historic layers of the city. You will have time to step away from the major tourist paths and explore quiet coastal lookouts, obscure galleries, and local farmer markets. It allows for a genuinely immersive experience where you can start to feel like a temporary local. You will appreciate the slower, more deliberate pace of life down here. It is perfect for travellers who want to leave absolutely no stone unturned.
view itinerary
Intercity Cycleway
This magnificent dedicated bike path follows a historic railway corridor, stretching from the bustling waterfront all the way into the northern suburbs. It provides a completely car free environment, making it incredibly relaxing for riders of all skill levels. The route runs parallel to the beautiful river, offering glimpses of the water and towering mountain range. Along the way, you pass through vibrant public parks and significant cultural institutions. It is the absolute best way to travel out to the famous northern art museums under your own steam.
view cycling route
See all attractions in Hobart
Including Cascade Brewery, Kunanyi / Mount Wellington, Salamanca Place, and more
