There are around 14 museums and historic sites scattered around Hobart. Their museums display important permanent art collections, and they often host international exhibitions. Each one of these museums exhibits a variety of historical artefacts and art collections that educate people about the history of Tasmania. However, there are some slightly niche museums, where one is poo-themed, and another showcases Antarctic History. Here are some of the museums you just can't skip.
The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is Australia’s largest private museum located on the northern outskirts of Hobart CBD. One of the best ways to get to MONA is by 30-minute ferry ride that departs from Brooke Street Pier. There are three levels of underground galleries displaying a large variety of art pieces. Asides from art collections, you can try restaurants, bars, kid’s play areas and cellar doors on-site. Keep an eye on the Localista website for upcoming events at MONA.
Located in the heart of Hobart CBD, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) is the second oldest museum in Australia. It’s a 4-minute walk from the Nipaluna/Hobart waterfront. Discover the history of Tasmania through their extensive collection of artefacts, art pieces and natural specimens. Admission is free but donations are welcome.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is known for its rich history and well-preserved historical buildings such as the guard tower, the penitentiary, the hospital, an asylum, some prisons and many more. Just a 90-minute drive from Hobart, the Port Arthur Historic Site offers a wide range of tours such as the Essentials tour, the Premium tour, the Isle of the Dead Cemetery Tour. You can even hear stories of the many escape attempts with the Escape from Port Arthur tour. If you’d like to explore Port Arthur in your own pace then there is a self-guided Port Arthur Audio Experience.
Another historical site that’s worth visiting is the Mawson’s Huts Replica Museum, as they offer an insight into the Antarctic History. This site is located on the Hobart waterfront and contains a replica of historic huts that were used by pioneers who embarked on the Australian Antarctic Expedition (AAE) in 1911–1914. These replica huts display a variety of artifacts that were used in the Expedition and were recovered from the original huts in Antarctica.
The Pooseum is a one-of-a-kind science museum that exhibits a collection of animal droppings from various animals from Australia and around the world. Located in Richmond, a 30-minute journey from Hobart CBD, the Pooseum approaches this topic in an educational manner with over 50 informational panels, 40 touch-screen videos, and a wide-range interactive displays. Visitors can learn about the science of faeces and find out how carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores process food differently in the Digestion Room. There is also an art gallery that displays unique artworks by local and international artists made from animal dung or parts of animals' digestive tracts. Don’t forget to stop by the museum's Pootrid Shop for some poo-related gifts and souvenirs.