One of the most popular attractions in Hobart is, without a doubt, MONA: the Museum of Old and New Art. This private museum defies conventional art gallery expectations and offers an immersive experience that is as much about challenging the viewer as it is about the art itself. You’ve probably seen it on countless lists of the best things to do in Hobart (my own guide included!) but if you’re looking for a bit more information on where it is, how to get there and what there is to do then you’re in the right place. Here’s my guide to everything you need to know about visiting MONA that I’ve compiled over multiple visits.
NOTE: MONA is a modern art museum and, as is the case in many modern art museums, some of the art on display is of an explicit nature, as are the titles of some pieces. I’ve also included some photos in this post of some of that art. You’ve been warned!
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About MONA
Founded by the Tasmanian art collector and professional gambler David Walsh, MONA opened its doors in 2011. The architecture of MONA alone is worth the visit. Carved into a sandstone cliff, the subterranean structure creates an almost labyrinthine journey through its galleries. I was at uni in Hobart while it was being constructed and I remember driving past one day and being pretty gobsmacked by the sight of the sandstone cliffs being dug into. Now that it’s finished it’s even more impressive, particularly if you arrive by ferry and see the terracotta walls rising from the Derwent River.
From the outside, it looks like there’s just one floor, but the museum is mostly underground, with a jumble of stairs, ramps and elevators to move you through the different dark sections. There are also some artworks near the entrance, like the wrought-iron trucks from the beginning of this guide.
Art Highlights of MONA
What sets MONA apart from other museums is its unapologetic embrace of the provocative and the experimental. The exhibits often explore themes of sex, death, and the human condition; owner David Walsh has called it “subversive adult Disneyland”. Some of the most famous pieces on permanent display are the Cloaca machine, which gets fed and then poops (above) or the giant “Snake” by Sydney Nolan (below).
“Snake” is located in one of the biggest gallery rooms, and apparently the whole place was designed around this piece so it could fit. At 46 metres long and 9 metres high this is the largest piece Nolan ever made, and it’s impossible to fit the entire thing in one shot! I always find it interesting to look closer to see what’s been painted on the smaller panels, as you can see below, there’s a wide range.
The fat Porsche is another piece that’s been there every time I’ve visited, and nearby there’s a cool furry couch that purrs if you stroke it, which I forgot to take a photo of…
My favourite artist is Brett Whiteley so I was very excited on my most recent visit to see that there’s now one of his famous studio paintings on display!
The wall of vulvas is another of the most famous and controversial pieces on display. You can also buy vulva soaps in the gift shop to take home with you.
Another one of the most iconic pieces is the waterfall of words (first picture below), named “bit.fall,” which you see and hear when you first arrive on the lowest floor. The words are made by the water as it falls and are dictated by recent online search terms. Here are some more things that caught my eye, but obviously this is just a snapshot as there is so much amazing art to discover here. There are regular temporary exhibitions as well, you can see what’s coming up here.
Things to Do at MONA
Beyond the art, MONA offers a whole cultural experience. The museum grounds include the Moorilla winery, a brewery, a couple of bars (including one within the museum proper) and several high-end restaurants, making it the perfect spot to spend an entire day. Events like the annual MONA FOMA (Festival of Music and Art) and Dark Mofo, which celebrates the winter solstice, further solidify MONA’s status as a cultural hub (although many parts of these festivals take place throughout Hobart). Live music is often performed at any time of year, check out what’s on here.
Along with the restaurants, bars and quirky gift shop, there are even some fancy pavilions that you can stay in on the site, all of which have been named after a different Australian artist or architect. I haven’t stayed in one myself but it’s on the bucket list! I also really love how MONA isn’t afraid to poke fun at itself, as you can see with the titles of some of the books below. We also noticed advertisements when we arrived at Hobart airport, sharing some of the worst online reviews, which were quite amusing. I bought a very cool cat Tarot set on our last visit and the gift bags say CHEAP on one side and EXPENSIVE on the other, which I also enjoyed.
How to Get to MONA
MONA is located in the suburb of Berriedale, which is about 12 kilometres outside of the Hobart CBD. You can drive there in about 15 minutes or you can catch one of the special MONA ROMA catamarans from the Hobart waterfront and enjoy a scenic cruise up the Derwent River to reach the museum.
The ferries are well worth it as you can enjoy seeing Hobart from the water plus there are fun sheep and tiger seats to sit on, along with a bar to get drinks. You can also choose from these standard seats or splash out on a ticket for the “Posh Pit”, which includes a private bar, lounge and deck, along with complimentary drinks and ‘tiny food!’
The museum was designed to look the best if you arrive via the water, and while there are 99 steps to reach the museum from the dock there’s also the option for an accessible tunnel entrance. If you do decide to drive I’d try to get there early as parking fills up fast.
Tasmanian residents can visit MONA free of charge (so long as you have ID showing your Tasmanian address and you need to pay a $5 deposit) but for non-Tasmanian residents then it costs $39 for a basic adult ticket. Anyone under the age of 17 can visit for free and there are concession prices. Check out the MONA website to book your ferry tickets and museum entry.
If you’re looking to visit MONA and also want to do a tour of Hobart you could also book this tour which includes tickets for MONA as well as visits to the Cascade Brewery, Cascade Gardens and the Female Factory (perfect if you’re visiting Hobart without a car).
Or if you’d like a more in-depth visit then this experience offers a guided tour of both MONA and the Moorilla Estate, with lunch at The Source restaurant. And if you’re really looking to splurge on something special then this “Posh As” VIP experience at MONA includes tickets in the posh pit on the ferry, private tastings at the winery and lunch, as well as museum entry, of course!
Pin Me!
Have you ever visited MONA? Let me know in the comments if I’ve left any important info out of this post (or just tell me what you thought about it) or pin one of these if you’re planning to visit in the future!
Disclaimer
All information is true and correct at the time of publishing but I cannot be held responsible for changes in opening times and prices or businesses closing in the meantime. I always endeavour to keep my posts up to date but also encourage you to double-check the official website of an attraction for information on when it is open, how much it costs etc.
Love the article on MONA. Wonderful, shocking, humourus, thought-provoking place.
Thank you!!
Just FYI – posh pit tickets do NOT include museum entry. You need two separate tickets – one for the ferry, one for the museum.
Yes this is true. The only place I mentioned them together is the “Posh As” VIP experience which does include ferry tickets and museum entry along with a lunch.