10 Best museums in Hobart

If you're planning a visit to Hobart, the capital of the island state of Tasmania, you'll find some of Australia's most beautiful nature reserves and protected areas, but you'll also have the chance to take in some local and national history in the city's museums. From art galleries to former convict prisons, there's something for everyone in this destination's exhibitions.

Some of the best things to do in Hobart include visiting the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, touring the eclectic and colourful Museum of Ancient and Modern Art, checking out the Lady Franklin Gallery, marvelling at the Penitentiary Museum, visiting the Military Museum and checking out the interactive displays at the Transport Museum.

The Tasmanian Maritime Museum will take you on an unmissable journey through the rich harbour history of Hobart, which was founded as a trading town on Australia's southern coast. Today, this exhibition stands as a tribute to the intrinsic connection between the island and the surrounding sea and will hold your attention with its collections.

In its rooms you can explore exhibits ranging from the early exploration of the Tasmanian coast to the contemporary importance of the ocean in the life of the island. Among the gems of the collection are detailed models of ancient sailing ships, illustrating the evolution of maritime technology over the centuries. You can also discover nautical artefacts such as antique compasses and astrolabes.

One of the highlights is an exhibition dedicated to the history of fishing in Tasmania, featuring historical artefacts such as traditional nets and specialised tools used by generations of local fishermen who dedicated their lives to this activity. You can also learn about the most famous shipwrecks around Tasmania.

Located in the centre of the city and therefore easily accessible, the site can be reached by local public transport or Hobart's hop-on-hop-off tour buses.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 14 Euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm.
• Location: 16 Argyle St, Hobart.

If you want to experience one of Australia's most eclectic and indecipherable places, you can't miss the galleries of the Museum of Old and New Art. The MONA presents itself as one of the most cutting-edge cultural destinations in the world, offering visitors a unique experience that defies traditional art museum conventions.

Founded by entrepreneur and art collector David Walsh, this museum stands out for its bold and provocative approach, offering visitors an artistic journey that defies expectations. Situated on the banks of the Derwent River, allowing you to easily combine this activity with one of Hobart's best cruises, what sets MONA apart is its diverse collection ranging from ancient art to innovative contemporary works.

The exhibition includes pieces by renowned artists alongside provocative and challenging works that seek to question established norms, as well as reserving space for works by artists who were banned, outlawed or censored. From paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations, MONA celebrates the diversity of art in all its forms.

In addition, MONA is known for its technological approach, providing visitors with interactive devices that allow them to explore the artworks at their own pace, in a must-see experience for those seeking an immersion in contemporary art and a redefinition of the traditional boundaries of art appreciation.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 38 euros per person.
• Hours: Friday to Monday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: 655 Main Rd, Berriedale.

The Mawson's Huts Replica Museum is one of Hobart's most famous museums because of its unique connection to the heroic era of Antarctic exploration. The meticulous replication of the huts used by Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expedition in the early 20th century transports visitors to an era of discovery in extreme conditions.

The main attraction of this museum is the faithfulness with which the original conditions of the huts were recreated, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the life of the Antarctic explorers. From scientific equipment to personal items, the replica offers an authentic insight into life in one of the most challenging environments on the planet that Australia played a large part in discovering and studying.

During your visit, you can explore the huts and learn about the pioneering Antarctic expeditions that played a crucial role in the scientific understanding of the continent. You will also see photographs, journals and original artefacts used by the first expeditionaries who ventured to the southernmost tip of the world to discover an inhospitable and frozen landscape.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 15 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: Morrison St &, Argyle St, Hobart.

Australia has a strong history of military involvement, largely taking a stand in British conflicts, and at the Tasmanian Military Museum you'll find a historical gem that showcases the rich military tradition of the country and the island. The exhibition also draws visitors' attention with comprehensive displays ranging from colonial wars to involvement in international conflicts.

Among the fascinating exhibits on display are military uniforms, inoperative weapons, tactical equipment and a variety of military relics illustrating the evolution of the armed forces over time. The museum also provides visitors with a collection of photographs and documents chronicling the experiences of Tasmanian soldiers in various conflicts.

Themed galleries cover specific periods, from Tasmania's involvement in the First and Second World Wars to its contribution to more recent peacekeeping missions. In addition, the museum dedicates space to honour and remember those who have served and fallen in the line of duty representing the island or country in international conflict.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 12 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday 9.00am to 1.00pm.
• Location: Anglesea Barracks, 96-120 Davey St, Hobart.

Although not located in Hobart but in Port Arthur, an hour's drive from the island's capital, the Penitentiary Museum is the island's most famous museum. This exhibition is notable for demonstrating Tasmania's crucial contribution to Australia's history. Port Arthur, originally a prison colony, was established in 1830 and became the destination for thousands of British convicts sent to the colony.

Therefore, during your visit, you will be able to see this museum which is located on the site that was once the centre of prison life, giving you a deep and poignant insight into the experience of prisoners in the 19th century. The tour takes you through the historic buildings of the prison, including the cells, yards and punishment structures, providing an authentic reconstruction of the daily life of the convicts.

Exhibits in the building are accompanied by original artefacts, photographs and narrations in several languages that will give you a full understanding of the local prison history and the importance of Port Arthur, which was built around this prison and therefore owes its fame to it, beyond the police events that took place there in the 1990s.

However, the history of Port Arthur not only represents a defining chapter in the evolution of Tasmania, but also highlights the struggle of individuals to survive in extremely difficult conditions.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 23 euros per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 10.00 pm.
• Location: Port Arthur, Tasmania.

The Lady Franklin Gallery is a small, remarkable museum celebrating the island's art and culture. Named after Jane Franklin, wife of former Tasmanian Governor Sir John Franklin, the gallery offers visitors a unique experience immersed in the region' s rich artistic and creative heritage.

During your visit to the gallery you can enjoy a collection of works by local and national artists, ranging from paintings to contemporary sculpture. The gallery is also committed to promoting emerging artists, providing a space for them to showcase their talent and contribute to Tasmania's vibrant art scene.

In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the Lady Franklin Gallery also hosts events and temporary exhibitions that maintain a fresh and modern offering. The diversity of artistic styles and approaches present in the gallery reflects the island's rich cultural scene and the region's ability to inspire and nurture artistic talent on one of the most southerly coasts in the world.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Hours: daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
• Location: Ancanthe Park, Hobart.

Narryna House, located in Hobart's historic Old Town, is a museum that will provide you with exhibits focusing on the history and architecture of the region. This exhibition is housed in an elegant 19th century house, which serves as a living testament to the life of Tasmanian high society during that period. The word 'Narryna' comes from the Aboriginal Palawa Kani dialect and means 'to begin again', reflecting the resistance struggles that took place in the region.

In the various rooms of the mansion, which have been lovingly restored to reflect the elegance and lifestyle of the Victorian era, you will find a collection of period artefacts, antique furniture, paintings and decorative items that offer an authentic insight into the daily life of two centuries ago.

In addition, Narryna House also has beautiful gardens that complement the historical experience. The well-kept parks feature flora typical of the period and provide a quiet space to enjoy a drink from the bar or simply relax at the end of the tour.

Narryna House can be reached by the city's public transport, Hobart's tour buses or the historic tram route, a scenic alternative that ends in an area close to the museum, making it a short walk to Narryna House.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 15 euros per person.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
• Location: 103 Hampden Rd, Battery Point, Hobart.

Tasmania has a long-established tradition as a former penal colony and the Cascades Female Prison Museum is a historical record of 19th century women's prison life. Built in 1828, the prison is one of Australia's oldest penal structures and has been meticulously preserved to provide a comprehensive insight into the region's penal history.

Cascades Prison played a crucial role in the discipline and punishment of female convicts during the colonial era. The museum, then, will allow you to explore the facilities of this site, which is full of information and testimonies about the torments suffered by the detainees.

Also, during your visit to the Cascade district, located on the outskirts of Hobart, you can visit the traditional Cascade Brewery Bar, a brewery that was founded in 1824 and is the oldest still standing brewery on the island.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 15 euros.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm.
• Location: 16 Degraves St, South Hobart.

For one of Tasmania's most famous exhibits, a visit to the Glenorchy Transport Museum, located just a few minutes' drive from Hobart, is a must. It's one of the premier places to explore the evolution of transport on the island, a vivid testimony to the influence of the British colony in the region.

At this museum, which is often included in the itineraries of the best Hobart tours, you can tour a diverse collection of vehicles and wheeled vehicles that represent the many modes of transport that have defined Tasmania's history. From antique carriages and bicycles to railway locomotives, the museum offers a complete experience to understand how forms of mobility have evolved over time on such a remote island.

Tasmania, heavily influenced by the British colony, saw significant developments in transport during the 19th century. The introduction of the railway, in particular, transformed connectivity and mobility on the island. This museum, then, illustrates how the railway became a vital element in the growth and development of the region, which during the first half of the 20th century came to lead Australia's volume of maritime trade.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 13 euros per person.
• Opening hours: daily from 11.00am to 4.00pm.
• Location: Off Anfield Street, Glenorchy.

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is one of Hobart's most famous cultural sites. Founded in 1843, it houses a diverse collection ranging from historical artefacts to contemporary works.

TMAG is home to fascinating exhibits that explore Tasmania's rich history, from the arrival of settlers to today's vibrant culture. Here you can immerse yourself in the island's narrative through indigenous artefacts, artworks and items that tell the Tasmanian story. The museum also has an outstanding display of modern art, allowing you to discover the local creative performance scene.

The comprehensive museum also features archaeology and natural history exhibits, making it one of the best places to visit in Hobart with children.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission is free.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10.00am to 4.00pm.
• Location: Dunn Pl, Hobart.