10 Best museums in Hobart

If you plan to visit Hobart, the capital of the island state of Tasmania, you will be able to see some of Australia's most beautiful nature reserves and protected areas, but you will also have the opportunity to review the local and national history in the city's museums. From art galleries to former prisons, the exhibitions in this destination offer something for everyone.

Among the best things to do in Hobart are visiting the Tasmanian Maritime Museum, touring the eclectic and picturesque Museum of Ancient and Modern Art, seeing the Lady Franklin Gallery, being amazed at the Penitentiary Museum, visiting the Military Museum and learning about the interactive exhibits at the Transport Museum.

The Tasmanian Maritime Museum will take you on an unmissable journey through the rich harbor history of Hobart, which was founded as a trading town on the southern coast of Australia. Today, this exhibition stands as a tribute to the intrinsic connection between the island and the surrounding sea and will grab 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. In addition, you can also discover nautical objects such as antique compasses and astrolabes.

One of the most outstanding exhibits is dedicated to the history of fishing in Tasmania, which presents historical objects such as traditional nets and specialized tools used by generations of local fishermen who dedicated their lives to this activity. You can also learn about the most famous shipwrecks that took place around Tasmania.

Located in the center 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.
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
• Location: 16 Argyle St, Hobart.

If you want to experience one of the most eclectic and indecipherable places in Australia, you can't miss the galleries of the Museum of Old and Modern Art. The MONA presents itself as one of the most avant-garde 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. Located 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 along with provocative and challenging works that seek to question established norms, as well as reserving a 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 will 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 from 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 lives of the Antarctic explorers. From scientific equipment to personal items, the replica offers an authentic view of 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 artifacts 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.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Location: Morrison St &, Argyle St, Hobart.

Australia has a strong history of war involvement, largely taking a stand in British conflicts, and the Tasmanian Military Museum is a historical gem that showcases the rich military tradition of the country and the island. This exhibit 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 that illustrate the evolution of the armed forces over time. The museum also provides visitors with a collection of photographs and documents that chronicle the experiences of Tasmanian soldiers in various conflicts.

Thematic gallery layouts cover specific periods, from Tasmania's involvement in World War I and World War II to its contribution to more recent peacekeeping missions. In addition, the museum dedicates space to honor and remember those who have served and fallen in the line of duty representing the island or country in international strife.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 12 euros per person.
• Hours: Thursday to Sunday 9.00 am to 1.00 pm.
• 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 exhibit 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 that is located on the site that was once the center of prison life, which will give you a deep and moving insight into the experience of prisoners in the 19th century. On the tour you will learn about the historic buildings of the prison, including the cells, yards and punishment structures, representing an authentic reconstruction of the daily life of the convicts.

The building exhibits are accompanied by original artifacts, photographs and narrations in several languages that will give you a complete 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.
• Hours: daily from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• Location: Port Arthur, Tasmania.

The Lady Franklin Gallery is a small, outstanding 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 southernmost coasts in the world.

Details of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Hours: daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• 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 exhibit 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 objects, antique furnishings, paintings and decorative elements that offer an authentic glimpse into the daily life of two centuries ago.

In addition, Narryna House also features beautiful gardens that complement the historical experience. The well-kept parks feature flora typical of the period and provide a quiet space to consume 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 tour buses or the historic streetcar route, a scenic alternative that ends in an area near the museum, so you can get there in a short walk.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 15 euros per person.
• Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
• 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 testament to 19th century women's prison life. Built in 1828, the prison is one of the oldest prison structures in Australia and has been meticulously preserved to provide a comprehensive overview of 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 on the island.

Details of interest

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

If you want to see one of Tasmania's most famous exhibits, you can't miss the Glenorchy Transport Museum, located just a few minutes away from Hobart, which is one of the main sites to explore the evolution of transport on the island, a vivid testimony of the influence of the British colony in the region.

At this museum, which is often included in the tours of the best Hobart tours, you can tour a diverse collection of vehicles and wheeled vehicles that represent the diversity of modes of transport that have defined Tasmania's history. From antique carriages and bicycles to railroad 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 transportation during the 19th century. The introduction of the railroad, in particular, transformed connectivity and mobility on the island. This museum, then, illustrates how the railroad 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.
• Hours: daily from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm.
• 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 objects 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. There you can immerse yourself in the island's narrative through indigenous objects, artworks and items that tell the Tasmanian story. In addition, the museum has an outstanding display of modern art, allowing you to discover the local creative performance scene.

In addition, this comprehensive museum also features archaeological and natural history exhibits, making it one of the ideal places to visit in Hobart with children.

Details of interest

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