MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) is a remarkable destination museum in Hobart, Tasmania. Created by Australian billionaire professional gambler David Walsh, the destination cultural institution has put the relatively remote city of Hobart squarely on the international tourist map with a compelling ‘Bilbao Effect‘ type draw.
Getting to MONA is not easy. The half-hour ferry ride from Hobart’s city centre, the journey is part of the pilgrimage-like arrival experience. Views of scattered settlements and monumental smelting plants among panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape are stunning. An understated yet striking rusted steel structure appears in the distance.
Arriving from the ferry, a steep flight of stairs provides a dramatic entry to the complex. The eclectic grounds of the museum features a array of small scale buildings, installations, a winery, and even a tennis court. It feels casual, inclusive, and the scale fits well with the semi-rural context. Views of the surrounding landscape are stunning.
The complex also includes (very expensive) villas where you can stay the night. There are also plans to build a hotel on the site.
One of the highlights is an installation named Amarna by James Turrell, part of his Skyspaces series which frames views of the sky and lights up at night.
The museum itself, designed by Australian firm Fender Katsalidis is largely subterranean, roughly hewn into the stony outcrop into which the building is carved. Descending into the gallery is dramatic, the spaces are dark and cavernous. The various side galleries and levels are accessed by bridges and staircases floating within the immense volume.
Images by Jonathan Choe
