MONA
MONA — the Museum of Old and New Art — is the phenomenon that put Hobart on the world's cultural map. David Walsh's subterranean labyrinth at Berriedale mixes ancient antiquities with confronting contemporary work in irreverent, theatrical style, reached by a ferry up the Derwent. It's Australia's largest private museum and a genuinely unmissable experience. Here's how to make the most of it.
Australia's most provocative gallery
Carved three levels deep into a sandstone cliff, MONA is designed to disorient and delight — no signs, a handheld "O" device instead of labels, and a collection that swings from Egyptian mummies to challenging modern installations. Owner David Walsh calls it a "subversive adult Disneyland," and it lives up to the billing. It's confronting, funny and profound by turns — come with an open mind and let yourself get lost. Allow at least half a day. See our things to do.
The MONA ferry & the grounds
Arrive in style on the MONA ferry from Brooke Street Pier — 30 minutes up the Derwent, with camouflage-clad boats and (if you choose) the plush "Posh Pit." Beyond the galleries, the estate holds the Moorilla winery and Moo Brew brewery, restaurants and bars, sculpture-dotted lawns and the on-site Pavilions accommodation. It's as much a day out as a museum visit. Note MONA closes some weekdays, so check opening days and book ahead.
Tickets, timing & tips
Book tickets and the ferry online in advance, and check MONA's current opening days (it's typically shut a couple of weekdays, more in winter). Allow half a day at least; combine it with lunch or a tasting on the estate. Note some works are confronting or explicit, so use discretion with children. MONA also runs the acclaimed winter festival Dark Mofo each June — a special time to visit. See our events guide.
MONA: your questions
MONA — the Museum of Old and New Art — is Australia's largest private museum and one of the world's most provocative. Created by collector David Walsh, its subterranean galleries at Berriedale, on a sandstone peninsula in the Derwent north of Hobart, mix ancient antiquities with confronting contemporary art in gleefully irreverent style. It's theatrical, surprising and unlike any museum you've visited — allow at least half a day. See our things to do.
The best way is the MONA ferry, which runs from Brooke Street Pier on the Hobart waterfront up the Derwent to the museum in about 30 minutes — a fun trip in itself, with quirky lounges on board. You can also drive or take a bus to Berriedale (about 15 minutes north of the city). Ferry and museum tickets are best booked online in advance, especially in peak periods.
No — MONA typically closes on some weekdays (often Tuesday and Wednesday, and more days in winter), so always check the current opening days and hours before you plan your visit. It also runs seasonal programming and the acclaimed winter festival Dark Mofo. Booking tickets (and the ferry) online ahead of time is strongly recommended. See our events guide.
Allow at least half a day — three to four hours — to do the galleries justice, and longer if you want to add lunch, a wine tasting at the on-site Moorilla winery or Moo Brew, or simply linger. Some visitors spend a full day. Factor in the 30-minute ferry each way from the city. There's also on-site accommodation (the Pavilions) if you'd like to stay right there.
MONA is an adult-oriented museum — some works are confronting, explicit or dark, so parents should use discretion; there's a dedicated area and family information, but it won't suit all children. That said, plenty of families visit and older kids often find it fascinating. If travelling with young children, review MONA's current visitor guidance beforehand. The grounds, ferry and gardens are enjoyable for most ages.