About Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Built into a sandstone cliff on the Derwent River, MONA houses David Walsh's idiosyncratic collection of antiquities, modern and contemporary art with no labels — visitors carry an iPod 'O' device instead.
Founded in 2011, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has been welcoming visitors for over 15 years. Today it draws approximately 380,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in Hobart, Australia, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 11,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) ranks #50
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. Ranking at #50, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is one of the fifty most acclaimed museums on our composite index — a destination that serious museum-goers and casual visitors alike should have on their list. Key recognitions include: Time 100 Greatest Places.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 3–4 hours, planning your route through Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Cloaca Professional (Wim Delvoye)
- ◆fat Car (Erwin Wurm)
- ◆Snake (Sidney Nolan)
- ◆James Turrell pavilions
- ◆MONA FOMA festivals
Recognition & awards
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Fri–Mon 10:00–17:00. Closed Tue–Thu.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 3–4 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is located in Hobart, Australia at coordinates -42.8061°N, 147.2569°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) was established in 2011, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Hobart. With 380,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Australia's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Oceania region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #12Tate ModernLondon, United Kingdom
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)?
Fri–Mon 10:00–17:00. Closed Tue–Thu. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Museum of Old and New Art (MONA)?
Most visitors recommend spending 3–4 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) located?
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) is located in Hobart, Australia. The exact coordinates are -42.8061°, 147.2569°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) known for?
David Walsh's subterranean 'subversive adult Disneyland'. Key highlights include Cloaca Professional (Wim Delvoye), fat Car (Erwin Wurm), Snake (Sidney Nolan). The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 11,000 reviews.
How many people visit Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) each year?
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) receives approximately 380,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Australia.
When was Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) founded?
Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) was founded in 2011, making it 15 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
