Franklin Square

Franklin Square has long served as the beating heart of Hobart, evolving through the centuries alongside the city itself. Originally the site of the Old Government House, the land witnessed the early, rigid discipline of the penal colony days. After the residence was demolished in 1858, the site was transformed into a green public square, a shift that symbolised the transition from a utilitarian garrison town to a flourishing, democratic community. The imposing statue of Sir John Franklin, the Arctic explorer who once governed the region, was placed at its centre, creating a permanent anchor for the city identity. The twentieth century saw the square adapt to the anxieties of the modern world. During the second World War, the park was fundamentally altered to become a vast air raid shelter, offering protection to hundreds of residents who feared invasion. This period underscored the square's role as a vital piece of critical infrastructure for the local population. In the decades that followed, it shed its defensive guise to become a stage for the city conscience, hosting rallies for environmental protection, workers rights, and indigenous recognition. Today, the square acts as a tranquil junction where the past and present collide. Whether it is the shade of 150 year old trees, the clacking of pieces on the oversized chess board, or the quiet reflection offered by the Two Islands sculpture, the park remains a living archive. Its recent history, involving the removal of controversial statues and the installation of works that honour Aboriginal history, reflects a city actively grappling with its legacy. It is a space that tells the complex, unfolding story of Tasmania.