We started our day early to catch the ferry going to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) in Hobart. We went inside the Brooke Street Pier entrance.
This was where we waited for our designated ferry to arrive.
Inside the ferry.
MONA is situated 11 kilometers north of Hobart, about a 20-minute drive or a 30-minute ferry ride. The ferry ride is a better option for us ‘tho it is more expensive, because it is part of the adventure.
There are two entrances: one involves climbing about a hundred steps, while the other is a dome-shaped entrance designed for individuals with mobility challenges. We chose the latter and entered through the tunnel.
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart, Tasmania, is one of the most fascinating and unconventional art museums in the world. Opened in 2011 by David Walsh, a Tasmanian entrepreneur and art collector, MONA is renowned for its provocative and boundary-pushing exhibits that challenge traditional ideas of art and culture.
Carved into a sandstone cliff overlooking the River Derwent, MONA features a labyrinth of underground galleries, creating an immersive, light-controlled environment free from natural light.
Richard Wilson’s famous installation turns a whole room into a waist-deep pool of recycled engine oil. The surface is so reflective it looks like a mirror, making the space feel strange and out of this world. Visitors can walk into the middle of it, where the smell of oil adds to the unique experience.
Stepping outside, we were greeted by a refreshing burst of sunlight, a striking contrast to the museum’s dim, enclosed interior.
Beyond the art, MONA is a cultural destination in its own right. We had fun unwinding on the expansive grounds while enjoying fine dining and listening to music. My daughter lounged on a bean bag, lots of them scattered throughout the area.
And then, just like that, it was time to leave.
On our walk back to the accommodation, we stumbled upon more public art, including utility doors vibrantly painted in interesting designs.
Scattered along our walk were a mix of chairs and benches, each uniquely placed and inviting, adding character to the journey.
With a dinner reservation ahead, we took a short break before embarking on a leisurely walk to the restaurant. Along the way, we passed a church with strikingly unique architecture that caught our attention.
And more utility doors.
Dinner was at Ogee, a highly recommended spot with glowing reviews from Pat’s friends. The experience lived up to our expectations, with delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and friendly staff that made the evening thoroughly enjoyable.
After dinner, we walked down the hill—just as well to burn off some of the calories we’d just consumed.
Saw more interesting doors on our way back.
We thought we were going back home but got side tracked and passed by Pablo’s to have one drink and listened to some jazz music.
I am linking this post to Jo’s Monday Walk Challenge, lots of different styles of doors for Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge, the Street Arts and museum art for Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge and the chairs along my walk for Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge.
What a perfect day! Starting with a sunny ferry ride and then that fascinating museum. Being surrounded by artwork and fed wonderful food. What more can I say? Perfect!
I know, what a day. So much packed but still a fun day.
Wow, Teresa. You covered a lot of ground (literally and figuratively) and there are too many wonderful photos to pick a favorite. I like that you took the ferry – I would do that, too, and it looked like it added a lot to the adventure.
We had to really pack it all in, as we were just there for a few days. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Dan. I agree, the ferry added more to the experience.
Hi Teresa, This sounds like a fabulous and fun day allround! Thank you for the lovely photos. I was gobsmacked by the street art in the ferry..how amazing an idea. The unconventional museum is pretty spectacular. Love that road with the view from at the top.
Thank you for a lovely share and for taking the reader alongsidea on this advensure. Cheers
Thanks for your comment Suzette. It was definitely a wonderful experience from morning til night. Glad you liked them.
Have a lovely weekend Teresa! Safe travels!
And sending warm regards to you too Suzette.
Thank you Teresa!
That museum sounds like one we would really enjoy visiting, including the ferry ride 🙂 I love the utility boxes too, not to mention that lovely dinner!
Thanks Sarah. Was so glad to see all the artistic side of Hobart and I am happy to share it here will all of you.
Hobart looks like a really great place to explore.Is the ferry actually a part of the museum? I ask because it seems to mesh with it so well. I liked the idea of the bean bags…but I always struggle to get out of the darned things.
Haha that is so true about the beanbags, so did you notice that I mentioned my daughter lounging on it and not us? We sat on the abundant of chairs there as well.
You DO have such interesting times. This looks a marvellous place to explore.
Yes, we did have an amazing time…but too short. The museum exceeded our expectation.
Looks like a really vibey place
It really is. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
I like how MONA is carved into the sandstone. It must be an interesting place to visit.
Yes, it was wonderful and was greatly surprises with everything we experienced. I didn’t really know what to expect because it was my daughter who planned it.
Amazing photographs. Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure to share. Thanks 😍
We’ve yet to get to Tasmania, but with direct flights from Auckland these days, we really should go – and your photos help to inspire us!
Yes, so near so you have to go. Same here, haven’t been to NZ so gotta plan something very soon.
Teresa, What a wonderful day from start to finish. All the painted boxes are beautiful and the murals on the ferry are so colourful. Thank you for your PPAC contribution.
My pleasure, Natalie. We had a great time in as much as you did your November
I love the place to sit and wait for the ferry. 🙂 The entrances are awesome as well. What an interesting place to visit!
Thanks for that Brenda. I am so amazed by the place as well.
I really like the dome shaped entrance and tunnel. Like entering the womb. (K)
Oh that’s a great interpretation! Thanks.
Wow! Great to see MOMA. It was closed to the public when we were in Hobart, like yourself, for only a few days. My husband is Tasmanian going right back to the early days of settlement with free and convict ancestors in the North and North-West. It’s now become quite a tourist Mecca, which we more than understand. The food down there was also spectacular and I sure missed it arriving home.
Hope you have a great week.
Best wishes,
Rowena
Oh that’s good to know. So where are you based now? I love Hobart and maybe someday we can visit the other places in Tasmania.
Looks like a great trip and I love the photos of everything.
Thanks for your lovely comment Kirstin.