Museum of Old and New Art
Museum Private Hobart museum blending ancient and contemporary art
MONA in Hobart houses a private collection of antiquities and contemporary works in a partially subterranean complex on the River Derwent, reachable by ferry; visitors expect provocative installations and rotating exhibitions.
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is a private museum near Hobart, Tasmania, founded by collector David Walsh and opened in 2011. It houses a large, eclectic collection of antiquities and contemporary works presented in unconventional installations.
The museum’s main attractions are its subterranean galleries, temporary exhibitions and an often-provocative permanent collection that mixes historical objects with contemporary art. A ferry and road access link the site to central Hobart, and the grounds include outdoor sculpture and winery facilities.
MONA was established by David Walsh as a private museum and has developed a programme of commissions, festivals and exhibitions since opening in 2011. It has changed the cultural profile of Hobart through high-profile exhibitions and events.
MONA is located on the Moorilla estate on the banks of the River Derwent in the Hobart region of Tasmania, set on a riverside site outside Hobart’s central business district.
- Founder and opening: Founded and privately funded by collector David Walsh, the museum opened to the public in 2011 and is notable for its unconventional display methods and commissioned works.
What to See #
- Subterranean galleries: A series of subterranean galleries carved into the site that house the museum's permanent collection and special exhibitions; galleries are arranged to create a deliberately immersive, labyrinthine visitor route.
- Moorilla estate and outdoor sculpture: The museum sits on the Moorilla winery estate and integrates indoor galleries with outdoor sculpture and riverfront views. The grounds and winery are part of the visitor experience.
How to Get to Museum of Old and New Art #
Take the MONA Ferry from Brooke Street Pier in Hobart CBD - the scheduled ferry runs from Brooke Street Pier to MONA’s jetty and the crossing takes about 35-45 minutes, bringing you right to the museum entrance (a short walk uphill).
By car, MONA (Moorilla) sits on the Berriedale peninsula north of Hobart: follow the Brooker Highway (A1) north from Hobart for roughly 11-12 km (about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic) and follow local signs to Mona; visitor parking is available and the walk from the car park to the museum entrance is brief.
Tips for Visiting Museum of Old and New Art #
- Take the ferry from Hobart (Brooke Street Pier) whenever possible - the ferry is the most scenic and relaxed way to arrive and avoids limited on-site parking; book ferry and museum admission in advance for weekends or event periods.
- Collect MONAs audio guide (the museum includes a device called the O) on arrival and schedule your visit early in the day to see major installations before ferry crowds build.
- Allow extra time for the grounds: Moorilla winery, the on-site restaurant/cafE9 and outdoor artworks reward a slower visit rather than rushing straight through the galleries.
Best Time to Visit Museum of Old and New Art #
Aim for spring or autumn weekdays to enjoy MONA with fewer visitors while avoiding peak summer crowds.
Weather & Climate near Museum of Old and New Art #
Museum of Old and New Art's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 3°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (614 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
