MONA Museum of Old and New Art
A provocative, largely underground art museum in Hobart, Tasmania, known for its unconventional exhibits and unique visitor experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy quiet contemplation.
MONA Museum of Old and New Art
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy quiet contemplation.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A provocative, largely underground art museum in Hobart, Tasmania, known for its unconventional exhibits and unique visitor experience.
"This place is a vibe and you've got to visit it to feel it, see it, hear it and experience it."
Download 'the O app' first! :iphone:
Essential for navigating and understanding the art. Don't wait until you're halfway through!
Allow ample time :stopwatch:
You'll need 3-4 hours minimum to explore. Many visitors wish they had more time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The O App Experience
Throughout the museum
Your digital guide to MONA. Unlocks artist insights, visitor comments, and a personalized journey through the exhibits.

Subterranean Architecture
Museum interior
A labyrinthine, mostly underground structure that enhances the immersive and mysterious atmosphere of the art.

Provocative Art Installations
Various galleries
Bold, often controversial works exploring themes of life, death, and sexuality. Expect the unexpected.

Moorilla Winery & Ferries
Museum grounds and Hobart waterfront
Enjoy wine tasting at the on-site winery or take the scenic ferry for a unique arrival experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Unconventional
Getting There & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download 'the O app' first! :iphone:
Essential for navigating and understanding the art. Don't wait until you're halfway through!
Allow ample time :stopwatch:
You'll need 3-4 hours minimum to explore. Many visitors wish they had more time.
Ferry is a must :ferry:
The ferry ride from Hobart is a scenic and fun way to arrive. Book in advance!
Food is fantastic :pretzel:
Don't miss the delicious food options, from snacks to full meals. Great for kids too!
Tips
from all over the internet
Download 'the O app' first! :iphone:
Essential for navigating and understanding the art. Don't wait until you're halfway through!
Allow ample time :stopwatch:
You'll need 3-4 hours minimum to explore. Many visitors wish they had more time.
Ferry is a must :ferry:
The ferry ride from Hobart is a scenic and fun way to arrive. Book in advance!
Food is fantastic :pretzel:
Don't miss the delicious food options, from snacks to full meals. Great for kids too!
Embrace the unconventional :sparkles:
MONA challenges norms. Be open to art that might be confronting or thought-provoking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
MONA is widely praised as a unique and unforgettable experience, lauded for its provocative art, striking architecture, and excellent on-site amenities like food and the ferry. While some find the art confronting, most agree it's thought-provoking and worth the visit. The 'O app' is considered essential for a full appreciation of the museum.
"Definitely worth a visit. You could spend all day here and the food is fantastic. Remember to download “the O app” on your phone as it has all the information you need. No one told us till half way through. Great thing to do on a rainy day. The food is amazing here. I had a spinach and three cheesy pretzel and an apple cinnamon muffin. Was planning on saving one for later but after the first bite I shared both with my friend as the deliciousness overwhelmed us first thing in the morning. 😆"
Leanne Reid
"Amazing venue, quite an experience I would highly recommend. You will need a few hours up your sleeve to experience this gallery.
The food options they have here are pretty good to be honest. The food area is great for kids as well as there is a kids park, trampoline heaps of area for kids energy to burn off."
Aaron Rapira
"The Mona Gallery is definitely a must see, made even better with a "door to door" Mona Ferry return trip from Hobart. My suggestion catch the 9:15am Ferry to get you there for 10:00am Gallery opening and easily allow 3hrs. Food and drinks available at reasonable cost and time to stroll before catching the return Ferry"
David Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by the MONA Ferry from the Brooke Street Pier in Hobart, taking about 30 minutes. You can also drive or take a bus. The ferry offers a unique arrival experience, with some recommending it as part of the overall MONA adventure.
Many visitors find the ferry to be a highlight, offering scenic views and a fun start to the visit. It's often recommended to catch an early ferry to be there for opening time.
Yes, driving is an option, and there is parking available. However, the ferry is often cited as a more enjoyable and iconic way to reach the museum.
Ferry schedules vary, but they typically run frequently throughout the day, aligning with museum opening and closing times. It's best to check the official MONA website for the most up-to-date schedule.
While the ferry is the most recommended, other public transport options like buses may be available. Check local Tasmanian transport schedules for routes and times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to MONA is free for Tasmanians. For visitors from elsewhere, there is an admission fee, but it's often considered well worth the experience.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets and ferry trips in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot.
MONA is typically open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last entry usually around 4 pm. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours, as they can change seasonally.
General admission is free for Tasmanian residents. For non-Tasmanian residents, there is an admission fee, and booking in advance is advised.
MONA frequently hosts unique and often provocative exhibitions and events. Checking their official website is the best way to stay updated on what's currently on display or happening.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
'The O app' is MONA's self-guided tour app that provides information about the artworks, artist insights, and visitor comments. It's crucial for understanding and navigating the museum's unconventional displays.
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours to fully experience MONA, with some suggesting they could easily spend all day.
Yes, MONA has areas that are great for kids, including a playground and trampoline. However, some art can be confronting, so parental discretion is advised.
MONA features a diverse collection of old and new art, often described as provocative, unconventional, and thought-provoking. It blends ancient artifacts with contemporary pieces, exploring themes of life, death, and sexuality.
MONA primarily operates on a self-guided experience using 'the O app'. While there aren't traditional guided tours, the app provides extensive information to enhance your visit.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
MONA offers excellent food options, from casual snacks like pretzels and muffins to more substantial meals. The food area is also noted as being great for kids.
Food and drinks are available at reasonable costs, making it a good value for the quality and experience.
While specific menus can change, MONA's food offerings are generally diverse. It's advisable to check with the staff on-site for the most current options.
Yes, MONA has a wine bar and offers drinks, including wine from the on-site Moorilla Winery.
MONA has dining facilities, including a cafe and a wine bar, offering a range of food and beverage options.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, personal photography is allowed in most areas, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the artworks. Always check for signage.
The unique architecture, the ferry arrival, and many of the art installations themselves offer fantastic photo opportunities. The exterior grounds and the waterfront views are also picturesque.
Drone usage is typically not permitted within museum grounds or airspace to ensure the safety and experience of all visitors and to protect the artworks.
A camera that performs well in low light conditions is ideal, as many of MONA's exhibits are dimly lit to enhance their atmosphere. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also sufficient for most visitors.
Tripods are generally not allowed inside the museum to avoid obstructing other visitors and to prevent accidental damage to exhibits. Check with staff if you have specific professional photography needs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While some exhibits might be confronting, the overall atmosphere is engaging. The 'O app' can be used by older children to explore the art in a fun, interactive way. The ferry ride to the museum is also an adventure in itself for kids. It’s a destination that can cater to both adult artistic interests and children's need for play and exploration.
🎨 Art Aficionados
'The O app' is essential for a deep dive into the collection, offering insights into the artist's intent and the context of each piece. Visitors can spend hours here, engaging with art that explores profound themes of life, death, and sexuality. The unconventional presentation ensures a memorable and stimulating artistic journey.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Hobart
Combine your visit with lunch at MONA's acclaimed cafe or enjoy a tasting at the on-site Moorilla Winery. The ferry schedule allows for a flexible day, whether you want a half-day excursion or a full immersion. It's a compact yet incredibly rich experience that fits perfectly into a day's itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The MONA Experience: Art, Architecture, and App
Central to the MONA experience is 'the O app'. This isn't just an audio guide; it's a sophisticated, self-guided tool that unlocks layers of information, artist insights, and visitor commentary for each piece. Visitors are encouraged to download and use the app to fully engage with the art and personalize their journey through the museum. This tech-forward approach allows for a deeply individual exploration, moving away from traditional museum formats.
Prepare for art that challenges and provokes. MONA tackles themes of life, death, sex, and time with bold installations that can be confronting but are always thought-provoking. From ancient mummies to modern multimedia pieces, the collection is diverse and designed to spark conversation and personal reflection. The museum's unique vibe and immersive nature make it a must-visit for art lovers and curious travelers alike.
Getting to MONA: The Scenic Ferry Route
Beyond the practical transport, the ferry ride is an integral part of the MONA experience. Some visitors describe it as a fun and unique way to approach the museum, setting the tone for the unconventional journey ahead. It's advisable to book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during busy periods, to ensure you get your preferred departure time and avoid disappointment. Arriving on an early ferry can help you maximize your time at the museum, allowing for a more relaxed exploration.
While the ferry is the star, other transport options exist. Visitors can also drive to MONA, with parking available on-site. However, for a truly iconic MONA arrival, the ferry is hard to beat. It’s a seamless connection that adds to the overall adventure and makes the visit feel complete.
Dining Delights at MONA
The food area is noted for being family-friendly, with ample space for children to enjoy themselves, including a playground and trampoline. This makes MONA a great destination for a full day out, catering to both art enthusiasts and families looking for a unique experience. The prices are considered reasonable, offering good value for the quality and the unique setting.
Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a leisurely meal, MONA's culinary offerings complement the artistic experience. Enjoying a glass of wine from the on-site winery while overlooking the river adds another layer to the memorable visit.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit