Tasmania has lots to offer with its authentic cuisine and nature trails. It also has plenty of galleries and museums, where viewers can enjoy heritage collections and world-class exhibitions.
To help plan your next excursion to Australia’s smallest state, check out our list of some of the best museums and galleries throughout Tasmania.
© Mona and Rémi Chauvin
Mona (Museum of Old and New Art)
One of the most renowned galleries in the world, the Museum of Old and New Art is an art experience not suited for the faint-hearted. Located in Hobart, Tasmania, Mona is filled with controversial exhibits, self-deprecating art pieces, mind-bending light shows, and immersive museum experiences. Arrive at the Berriedale waterfront, grab a local cider, and engage yourself in all of the shocking artwork that Mona has to offer.
© Tourism Tasmania & Kathryn Leahy
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is Australia’s second-oldest museum and one of Australia’s most historically significant sites. The gallery is a combined museum, art gallery, and herbarium which identifies and protects the natural and cultural identity of Tasmania. It also features unique architecture and artefacts, so you can have a deeper understanding of Tasmania and its history.
© Tourism Australia
Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
The Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, located in Launceston, Tasmania, is a cultural and creative gateway to many international and Australian art. Not only does it depict Australian colonial and decorative art, but features information on Tasmanian history and natural science as well. Check out the QVMAG for interesting dinosaur and plane exhibits, as well as a feature of Australia’s oldest merchant shipwreck.
© Tourism Australia & Graham Freeman
House of Anvers Museum of Chocolate
This one’s for everyone with a sweet tooth! The inviting and sweet House of Anvers Museum of Chocolate is a confectionery delight that encompasses how chocolate came to be. Check out the display on the original creation of chocolate milk, and follow it up with a tasting of some of Tasmania’s best chocolates. But be cautious! If you’re lucky enough to figure out their secret recipe, you may not be allowed to leave the premises.
© Tourism Australia
Maritime Museum of Tasmania
The Maritime Museum of Tasmania is home to Tasmania’s maritime heritage story. The museum highlights various model ships and shipwrecks, including several paintings of warships and documentation of maps and diaries. With themes including Indigenous watercraft, European exploration and navigation, convict transportation, and naval history, there’s something for everyone to explore.
© Chris Crerar
Design Tasmania
Design Tasmania is a design centre and gallery dedicated to promoting the advancement of design in Tasmania. Their many public programs offer visitors the opportunity to engage in design and culture and celebrate some of the most highly-regarded designers from Australia. Design Tasmania also features an evolving wood collection, showcasing Tasmanian wood artists and Tasmania’s place in the design industry.
© Tourism Tasmania & Adrian Cook
Salamanca Arts Centre
Salamanca Arts Centre is a lively arts community located right next to Hobart’s waterfront. Wander through the historic warehouses of Salamanca place and enjoy artist galleries, venues, retail outlets, art organisations, and many more. The upstairs portion of the venue features Tasmanian, National, and International art and design galleries. And, every Friday night, enter into the Founder’s Room for live music to enjoy with your family and friends.
© Alastair Bett
Colville Gallery
Colville Gallery is a Hobart-based gallery, incorporating themes of modern art with contemporary Tasmanian and Australian artists. The gallery includes different styles of art, including paintings, photography, sculptures, and so on. Many of the fine art paintings demonstrate modern landscape, still lifes, abstract, and streetscape concepts, with each piece left up to the viewer for interpretation.
For more ideas on things to do in Tasmania, click here!
