Museum Of Old And New Art (mona)

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Museum of Old and New Art, commonly known by its acronym MONA, is located on the Berriedale Peninsula in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Situated within the Moorilla winery grounds along the River Derwent, MONA offers visitors a striking and immersive destination. From the moment you approach by ferry or car, its dramatic architecture and underground galleries hint at the bold art experiences that await.

About the Museum

Founded by art collector David Walsh and officially opened on 21 January 2011, MONA is Australia’s largest privately funded museum and one of the most ambitious private collections in the Southern Hemisphere. The building is largely built into sandstone cliffs and extends underground across three levels, creating a labyrinthine, cavernous space that visitors explore at their own pace. There is no fixed path; instead, works are arranged thematically rather than chronologically to evoke unexpected connections and provoke deeper thought.

The permanent collection includes more than 1,900 works, ranging from ancient Egyptian and Greco‑Roman antiquities to contemporary installations and video art. Highlights include Sidney Nolan’s Snake, a giant mural made from 1,620 rainbow‑painted panels, displayed publicly within Australia for the first time at MONA. Other notable works include Wim Delvoye’s Cloaca Professional, a mechanical reproduction of the human digestive system that processes food into waste. The museum also presents Marina Abramović’s “rice‑counting room” and installations that explore mortality, sexuality and religion in provocative ways.

Instead of traditional labels, visitors receive a handheld guide known as The O, an interactive app that offers commentary, artist interviews, maps and a rating system for individual artworks. The O adapts to your journey, providing insights tailored to your interests while you explore.

Beyond the galleries, MONA is a multi‑faceted cultural complex. It includes the Moorilla winery, cellar door and wine bar, two high‑end dining venues (The Source Restaurant and Faro based on seasonal Tasmanian produce), a brewery, a library, cinema, performance spaces, bars, gift shop and even on‑site guest pavilions named after Australian artists and offering views across the Derwent. The site also hosts iconic festivals such as Dark Mofo in winter and Mona Foma in summer, featuring music, live art, performances, light installations and immersive cultural events.

A typical visit is a multi‑hour adventure. The ferry from Brooke Street Pier to MONA offers a scenic, theatrical journey, often boarding hourly for a 25‑ to 30‑minute cruise along the Derwent River. Many visitors arrive on the ferry, disembark and ascend a 99‑step staircase into the museum (or use a tunnel entrance if accessibility is needed).

Interesting Facts

MONA houses over 1,900 works, blending ancient antiquities with contemporary and provocative installations.
Sidney Nolan’s Snake mural spans 1,620 rainbow‑painted panels and was displayed publicly in Australia for the first time at MONA.
The Cloaca Professional exhibit by Wim Delvoye simulates human digestion, turning food into waste as a commentary on consumption.
Visitors navigate the museum using The O, a mobile app that replaces wall labels and includes curated commentary, artist interviews, GPS mapping and a voting system.
MONA’s architecture is built into sandstone cliffs and spans three levels underground, creating an immersive labyrinth rather than a conventional gallery space.
The venue includes restaurants, bars, a winery and cellar door, a guest pavilion accommodation, a cinema, a library and performance venues—making it a full day cultural destination.
MONA hosts Tasmania’s major arts festivals: Dark Mofo in winter—a celebration of the winter solstice through art, music, food and performance—and Mona Foma in summer—an eclectic festival of music and art.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +6136 277 9900

Website: mona.net.au/

Facebook: facebook.com/MONAmuseum/

Conclusion

For anyone visiting Hobart or Tasmania, the Museum of Old and New Art promises a unique and unforgettable experience. It is more than a museum—it is a bold, immersive exploration combining art, architecture, hospitality and performance. Whether you are an art lover or simply intrigued by daring and unconventional experiences, MONA invites you to explore ancient relics, controversial installations and contemporary light works, all framed within an unconventional museum design and supported by exceptional dining, events and riverside views. A visit to MONA is best enjoyed if you allow at least three to four hours—and preferably a full day—to take in the exhibits, relax over a meal or cellar‑door tasting, and stroll through the grounds. From the moment you arrive on the river to the final step out of its subterranean galleries, MONA will challenge and enchant your perceptions, and leave a lasting impression of art that defies tradition.