The historic waterfront precinct of Salamanca Place, unrivalled views atop Mount Wellington, European influenced architecture and the city’s dining specialty of seafood. If you’re in need of another great reason to visit Hobart, then the Museum of Old and New Art is it. Known as MONA for short, the gallery houses an eclectic mix of modern and ancient artwork spread across three levels.
Since opening in January 2011, MONA has redefined what art is. The varied collection of unconventional artwork engages, excites, exudes attitude and undoubtedly pushes the boundaries. The pieces can be shocking at times, but it is the thought provoking nature of the collection that has attracted visitors Australia-wide and beyond.
In fact, since opening, the gallery has had a whopping 19,375,903 pieces of artwork viewed and has been recognised with many accolades. Awards include Tasmania’s Best New Tourism Development in 2011 by the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards, the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture in 2012 and the Australian Gourmet Traveller Readers’ Choice Award for Best Cultural Attraction this year.
Taking the unique experience to even greater heights, the museum forgoes traditional wall labels for an ultra trendy touch-screen device that can detect what artworks you are near. The O, as it’s called, delivers information about the art and artists that you can read or listen to, and has a voting system that allows visitors to unleash their inner art critic and ‘love’ or ‘hate’ the artwork.
In addition to its widely eccentric art, the MONA experience also extends to wining and dining. Have a drink at one of MONA’s two bars – Wine Bar or Void Bar. Situated within the underground museum fortress between towering stone walls, Void Bar is stocked with a variety of tipples. Order a drink on your way into the museum and take a seat at one of the mismatched antique chairs. Following your tour of the museum, head back to the surface and relax at Wine Bar. It features lipsmacking good wine and beer, plus there’s a short menu of light meals and cheeses.
Whet your appetite at MONA’s The Source Restaurant, which serves contemporary French-inspired cuisine. Dishes are prepared with the freshest local produce and the river and winery views are magnificent. With a Michelin-star rated chef heading up the kitchen and a certified sommelier to lend an expert hand with the wine list, The Source is at the forefront of the local dining experience.
Where to stay
Located just 20 minutes drive from the city centre, Wyndham Vacation Resorts Seven Mile Beach is Hobart’s only beach resort. It boasts expansive grounds with native gardens, great facilities including an onsite restaurant, and self-contained accommodation including spacious and stylishly appointed one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.
MONA is another reason to put a Tassie trip on your calendar, so be prepared to be amazed, not only by the art, but also by the beautiful location and spectacular building design. Visit the MONA website for further information on admission, directions and what’s on.
The Wyndham Wrap 