The Museum of Old and New Art, better known by its acronym MONA, occupies a peninsula on the Derwent River at Berriedale, about ten kilometres north of central Hobart. Opened in 2011, this private museum of ancient and contemporary art has profoundly transformed Tasmania's cultural image. Its founder, mathematician and collector David Walsh, describes it as a "subversive Disneyland for adults": a phrase that sets the tone for a place blending antiquities, modern art and provocative installations within an entirely underground architecture.

Why visit MONA

MONA is not a museum like any other. It rejects conventional codes: no wall labels, no imposed route, minimal natural light. The visit is guided by a mobile app (the O app) that geolocates visitors and suggests nearby artworks, with long or short, serious or playful commentaries.

The collection itself reflects David Walsh's eclectic tastes: you'll encounter works by James Turrell, Picasso, Ai Weiwei and Damien Hirst, alongside Egyptian mummies and pre-Columbian art. This confrontation between objects thousands of years old and contemporary installations defines the venue's signature.

Museum history

The adventure began in 2001, when David Walsh opened the Moorilla Museum of Antiquities on the family wine estate at Berriedale. The structure remained low-key. Walsh then decided to expand the project significantly to integrate his contemporary art acquisitions, and entrusted the construction to Australian architect Nonda Katsalidis.

MONA opened its doors in January 2011, coinciding with the MOFO festival. The event was immediately noticed by the international press and became the primary driver of Tasmanian cultural tourism. The museum has since organized two annual festivals, MOFO in summer and Dark Mofo in winter, extending its programming beyond its walls.

What to see

The experience begins upon arrival. Above ground, the building is almost invisible: only a glass pavilion marks the entrance. A monumental staircase then leads down three levels of exhibition carved into the rock.

• The underground architecture by Nonda Katsalidis, where exposed sandstone walls and targeted lighting create an inverted cathedral atmosphere.
• James Turrell's immersive installations, some occupying entire rooms dedicated to his work with light.
• Classical pieces: Picasso paintings, contemporary sculptures by Ai Weiwei, Damien Hirst displays.
• Antiquities: Egyptian mummies, pre-Columbian ceramics, ancient coins, recalling the Moorilla Museum of Antiquities' origins.
• Outdoor spaces: monumental sculptures on the lawns, views over the Derwent, restaurants and cellars of the Moorilla wine estate and Moo Brew brewery.

The absence of explanatory signage is disorienting at first, then liberating. The O app lets each visitor build their own route at their own pace.

When to visit

The museum is open year-round, but two periods stand out. MOFO (Museum of Old and New Art Festival of Music and Art) runs in January, during the Australian summer season: the atmosphere is festive, gardens host concerts and performances. Dark Mofo, in June, takes a different approach: around the winter solstice, the festival explores darkness, ritual and the sacred, with spectacular installations throughout Hobart.

Outside these periods, Australian autumn (March-May) offers mild weather and quieter crowds. The museum closes certain days of the week in low season; check opening days before visiting.

How to get there

Berriedale is about ten kilometres north of central Hobart, accessible by several means.

• By ferry: from Brooke Street Pier on Hobart's waterfront. The crossing takes about twenty minutes on the Derwent River and lands at the foot of the museum, at the top of a staircase carved into the cliff. This is the most striking arrival, recommended at least on the way in.
• By car: 15 to 20 minutes from the centre, free parking on site. Convenient for combining a visit with other stops north of Hobart.
• By bus: Metro Tasmania lines serve Berriedale from the city centre, about 30 minutes' journey.
• By taxi or ride-share: about fifteen minutes from Hobart, more flexible but pricier.

Practical information

Plan for at least three hours of visiting, longer if you take time with Turrell's extended installations or dine on site. The museum has several restaurants and bars, from simple café fare to the fine dining Source restaurant.

Admission prices are moderate for a private museum of this scale, with significant discounts for young people and free entry for children. Tasmania residents enjoy free entry by reservation with a refundable deposit. Online booking is highly recommended, particularly during MOFO and Dark Mofo festivals. The O app downloads on-site via wifi.

Nearby attractions

MONA fits into a broader Tasmanian itinerary. A few complementary stops:

• Hobart, its historic Salamanca port and Mount Wellington overlooking the city.
• Cataract Gorge, spectacular gorge at Launceston, north of the island.
• Gordon River, on the west coast, for temperate rainforest and river cruises.
• Devils @ Cradle, sanctuary dedicated to the Tasmanian devil near Cradle Mountain National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Extend your trip

MONA is one of the highlights of a Tasmanian itinerary, to be combined with the island's coastal scenery and national parks. To build a tailor-made trip, explore our Australie travel ideas.