🧊 MONA: Tasmania’s Museum That Redefined Art (and Tourism)

The Museum of Old and New Art—better known as MONA—isn't just Tasmania's most famous attraction. It's a phenomenon. Perched on the banks of the Derwent River just north of Hobart, MONA is equal parts museum, architectural wonder, cultural statement, and social experiment. It’s also one of the most visited attractions in the state—and for good reason.

🎨 Not Your Average Museum

Founded by Tasmanian-born millionaire David Walsh, MONA opened in 2011 and quickly gained international attention for its bold, confronting, and often bizarre exhibitions. The museum houses everything from ancient artefacts to controversial contemporary art, all displayed in a cavernous underground gallery carved into the sandstone cliffs.

Visitors explore via a digital device (called ‘The O’) that provides context—or chaos—as they navigate works that include themes of sex, death, religion, and human obsession. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it's unforgettable.

🍷 Beyond the Art

MONA isn’t just about the museum. The entire precinct includes:

• Moorilla Winery, where you can taste fine Tasmanian wines.

• The Source Restaurant, known for its locally sourced, fine dining menu.

• Heavy Metal Bar, for a quirky cocktail or craft beer.

• Faro, a riverside dining space inside a giant glass dome.

• Live music and festivals, including the popular DARK MOFO event in winter.

You can arrive by road or take the MONA ROMA ferry from Hobart—a 25-minute ride featuring onboard art and sheep-shaped seats.

🏡 Living Nearby

Located in Berriedale, MONA has given new energy to Hobart’s northern suburbs. Areas like Glenorchy, Claremont, and Montrose now offer a mix of affordability, scenic river views, and growing cultural capital. These suburbs are popular with first-home buyers, families, and creatives who want access to Hobart without the city centre price tag.

Regular visitors to MONA often become museum members—and locals love that their backyard houses one of the world’s most provocative cultural institutions.

Whether you're visiting Tasmania or planning to live here, MONA is a must-see (and must-experience).
Find more lifestyle guides and Tasmanian treasures at www.movingtotasmania.com.au