Mona – Museum of Old and New Art

The Museum of Old and New Art is an edgy contemporary art precinct located north of Hobart that is home to some of Australia’s most acclaimed and controversial collections in the country. To say the least, MONA is unlike any Australian art or entertainment arena in Sydney or Melbourne. The museum itself is built underground and the various levels can be accessed via lift or a giant spiral staircase that is art itself.

The venue is located on a sprawling campus in Berriedale located on the Derwent River. There are fine dining restaurants, outdoor food vendors and greenery for as far as the eye can see.

MONA’s creator David Walsh is a local Tasmanian character who generated his wealth through gaming and used the proceeds of his winnings to construct an experience like no other.

Getting here

MONA is located 20 minutes north of Hobart by car and bus tours will drop you off right in front of the museum. You can also opt to take the ferry, which is a really fun experience, departing from the Hobart waterfront.

Dark MOFO

Dark Mofo Festival is one of MONA’s signature events and draws characters from all over Australia and the world. It is held in the middle of the year during Winter and the city of Hobart transforms into a demonic playground.

The winter festival coincides with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. If you fancy, you can take part in the nude solstice swim event in freezing water. The vision of creative director Leigh Carmichael of inverted holy crosses posted around town and a satanic vibe across the different events. Last year’s festival was controversial for featuring a British flag soaked in the blood of first nations people.

The winter feast is at night time for the duration of the festival and brings together gourmet food vendors with various musical acts including the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Dark Mofo 2022 promises to be a really good festival, particularly after the lockdowns caused by the coronavirus pandemic over the last couple of years.

MONA FOMA

MONA FOMA is the summer arts festival that spreads across Tasmania in the cities of Hobart and Launceston. It celebrates the art forms of music, light, noise, dance and other edgy new media. There are often popular headliners and acts.