Museum of Old and New Art Museum

Address: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale TAS 7011, Australia

Website: https://mona.net.au

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.

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.

• 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.