Your Guide to MONA’s Must-See Exhibits and Experience

Exterior of MONA Hobart

 

Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) isn’t just a museum: it’s an experience that shakes up how you think, feel, and see the world. From the mysterious underground architecture to its mix of humour and high art, every moment surprises.

Here’s why this Hobart Tasmania art museum deserves a top spot on your travel list.

 

Why is MONA Hobart so iconic?

 

Gallery wall displaying eclectic paintings, including large blue artwork and surreal pieces

Credit: @MONA Museum

 

Perched on the banks of the River Derwent, MONA Hobart is unlike anywhere else on earth. Since opening in 2011, this subterranean wonder has redefined the idea of what a museum can be. 

Created by Tasmanian art collector and mathematician David Walsh, MONA fuses the provocative and the playful, the ancient and the experimental, in a way that constantly challenges and delights.

From the moment you descend into its sandstone halls, you’re immersed in a world where nothing is predictable. Gone are traditional wall labels. Instead, MONA gives visitors The O, a smart device that reveals the stories, sounds, and secrets behind each piece.

To do MONA justice, allow four to five hours for your first visit, or a full day if you’re keen to savour every corner. Whether you love contemporary art or simply crave something different, MONA delivers an unforgettable mix of architecture, attitude, and imagination.

 

Getting There: Should You Take the Ferry?

 

Two ferries (one grey camo and one gold) sailing on a calm river

Credit: @MONA Museum

 

Located about 12 km from Hobart’s city centre, MONA is easily reached by car, but the ferry is hands-down the best way to go. Here’s the comparison:

 

How to Take the Ferry to MONA

Departing from Brooke Street Pier, just steps from Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, the MONA ROMA ferry whisks you up the Derwent River in around 25 minutes. The ferry’s quirky sheep-shaped seats, rooftop deck, and onboard bar set the tone for the adventure ahead.

Upgrade to the Posh Pit for priority boarding, canapés, and complimentary bubbles, or simply grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the fresh air on the open rooftop seating area. It’s the most photogenic way to start your day.

 

Driving to MONA

Driving is also an option, taking roughly 20 minutes, but parking can be limited (and you’ll miss out on the river views). 

Whichever you choose, book your ferry and museum tickets in advance to secure your preferred timeslot, particularly during weekends or major events like Dark Mofo.

 

What Should You See First?

 

Arriving at MONA is like stepping through the looking glass. After scanning your ticket, you’ll descend a spiral staircase deep into the rock. It’s a symbolic plunge into the unknown.

There’s no set path, but first-time visitors often start with the permanent collection, which features works from ancient artefacts to digital installations. MONA’s layout encourages wandering; let curiosity guide you. 

Exhibition space with lush greenery, eclectic artifacts, and an Egyptian sarcophagus in a display

Credit: @MONA Museum

 

The dim lighting, echoing corridors, and layered design make even the journey between galleries an experience in itself.

For families wondering if MONA suits younger visitors, the answer is yes, but with caveats. Kids and teens tend to love the interactive, sensory exhibits, though some works include adult themes. 

Staff can point you toward family-friendly highlights, ensuring everyone has a great time.

 

The Works Everyone Talks About

 

Modern museum interior with illuminated text projected onto a concrete ceiling

Credit: @MONA Museum 

 

MONA’s collection is eclectic, thought-provoking, and often controversial. Some pieces have become icons in their own right, capturing the imagination (and sometimes the outrage) of visitors worldwide.

Every piece at MONA invites discussion. You won’t love them all… and that’s kind of the point.

 

The Cloaca Machine 

No visit is complete without witnessing Wim Delvoye’s Cloaca Professional, affectionately nicknamed the poo machine. This infamous installation replicates the human digestive system, producing actual waste as a comment on consumption and culture. 

It’s gross, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable.

 

‘The Red Queen’

Another must-see is The Red Queen, a long-running exhibition concept that explores why humans make art in the first place. While not a single artwork, it encapsulates MONA’s essence: the intersection of science, creativity, and curiosity.

Other unmissable highlights include:

  • Bit.Fall by Julius Popp, where falling droplets of water spell out words scraped live from the internet.

  • Snake by Sidney Nolan, a sprawling rainbow mosaic celebrating the Dreamtime serpent.

  • The Death Gallery and Mummy Room, where ancient relics meet modern fascination with mortality.

  • The Chapel, a contemplative space of light and sound that leaves a lasting emotional impact.

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Upcoming Exhibitions

MONA’s exhibitions are constantly evolving. Depending on when you visit, you might encounter new large-scale installations, collaborations with global artists, or festival-linked projects. 

Before you go, check MONA’s official site for the latest additions. There’s always something fresh and surprising waiting underground.

 

Where to Eat and Sip at MONA Hobart

 

Gourmet dishes and red wine elegantly plated on black marble table with gold cutlery

Credit: @MONA Museum

 

After a few hours of sensory overload, you’ll need to refuel, and MONA’s dining scene is as inventive as its art.

The Source Restaurant

For a high-end meal, The Source Restaurant offers refined Tasmanian cuisine with panoramic views over the vineyard and river. Expect seasonal local produce, perfectly matched wines, and dishes that are as artistic as they are delicious. 

Bookings are essential, particularly on weekends.

 

Faro Bar + Restaurant

This is MONA’s immersive dining experience, where art meets gastronomy. Expect dramatic lighting, experimental cocktails, and dishes that often double as installations. Dining here feels like stepping into a performance: gourmet, edgy, and unforgettable.

 

Museum Cafe & Moorilla Wine Bar

For lighter options, the Museum Café serves coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, while the Moorilla Wine Bar invites you to linger over a glass of the estate’s own vintages. In summer, grab a picnic and relax on the lawns overlooking the Derwent.

 

Curious About MONA’s Beer?

 

Yes, MONA brews its own beer, and it’s every bit as quirky as you’d expect. The on-site Moo Brew microbrewery produces a range of distinctive lagers, ales, and dark beers, each adorned with surreal labels by artist John Kelly.

You can sample Moo Brew across MONA’s bars and restaurants, or pick up a pack to take home. There’s even a beer vending machine tucked away in the grounds. It’s a fun little MONA twist that never fails to surprise visitors.

All of this, which begs the question: can you buy MONA beer on site? Absolutely. It’s available on tap, in bottles, and in limited-edition releases that make perfect souvenirs.

Moo Brew’s story ties back to MONA’s founder, who started the brewery before the museum itself. It’s proof that creativity and craftsmanship flow through every corner of the site.

 

Planning Details So Your Day Runs Smooth

 

A seamless MONA experience starts with a little preparation. Here’s some local recommendations:

  • Book ahead: Entry and ferry tickets sell out quickly during busy seasons. Secure yours online.

  • Start early: The museum opens around 10 am; the first ferry lets you beat the crowds.

  • What to wear: Comfortable shoes are a must. MONA’s tunnels and staircases are as extensive as they are intriguing.

  • Accessibility: Lifts are available, but give yourself time to explore at your own pace.

  • Family-friendly tip: Ask staff which exhibits are suitable for children; MONA’s team are always happy to guide.

  • Duration: Most visitors spend between four and six hours, with many staying for lunch or a late-afternoon drink on the lawns.

 

Staying Nearby? Make Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart Your Base

 

Couple sitting by the waterfront at sunrise, facing the harbour with boats and Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart in background 

After a full day at MONA Hobart, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to unwind. Staying in Hobart’s waterfront precinct makes visiting MONA effortless.

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart sits right on the harbour, just across from the MONA ferry terminal. That means you can stroll from your room to the pier in minutes, coffee in hand, and set off for your day of discovery without any stress.

The hotel combines convenience with comfort: elegant rooms overlooking the River Derwent or Mount Wellington, a heated indoor pool, and a restaurant celebrating Tasmanian produce. It’s the ideal retreat for travellers who want to experience MONA in style.

Book your stay directly with Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart for the best access, views, and local recommendations from staff who know the city inside out. With MONA on your doorstep and Hobart’s finest dining just a short walk away, your art-filled escape starts right here.