Pardon the theatrics, but the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is more than an art museum – it’s an institution. It’s not a Hobart trip without a visit to MONA; getting lost in its deliberately confusing subterranean space and stumbling upon the weird, the wonderful and the mildly disturbing. Opened by Hobart local and professional gambler David Walsh in 2011, MONA kick-started a cultural renaissance in Hobart which now includes festivals like Dark Mofo and MONA Foma. Make the most of your visit by taking the MONA ferry from downtown Hobart, before disembarking to head underground. Will you see a wall of vulvas followed by a couple of priceless Picassos casually hanging in the Ladies’ Lounge? Yep, only at MONA.
From big hitters (*coughs* MONA) to tiny independent spaces, Hobart is full of incredible museums and galleries. Tasmania’s capital is a city rich in history and culture, and both have plenty of representation here.
If you’re in the mood for learning, head to one of the many museums dedicated to preserving Tassie’s past. If you’re an art connoisseur, there are large and small galleries filled to the brim with the work of established and emerging local talent. With almost too many to choose from, we’ve narrowed down the best museums and galleries in Hobart for your next history or culture hit.