The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, known as TMAG, is the state museum in Hobart, and it is a short walk from the waterfront. Entry is free, which makes it one of the best-value indoor visits in the city. Its collections cover Tasmanian history, natural history and art, along with Aboriginal culture, and the displays give useful background to the places you visit elsewhere on the island. Opening hours depend on the season: from 1 April to 24 December it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm, and from 26 December to 31 March it opens daily with the same hours. It also opens on Monday public holidays year-round, and closes on Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day. It works well as a rainy-day plan or a calm counterpoint to Mona.
What to do
Start with the Tasmanian history and Aboriginal culture displays, which put the convict era, colonial settlement and the long earlier story of the island in context. The natural history galleries cover the island's wildlife and geology, and the art galleries show Tasmanian and colonial work.
Guided tours run on certain days, so check the tours page if you want a guide. The shop is a good place for books and gifts with a Tasmanian focus, and the building is close to Salamanca Place and Franklin Wharf, so it fits into a waterfront walk.
Planning
Check the opening days for the season. In November it opens Tuesday to Sunday, so Monday visits will not work unless it is a public holiday. Hours are 10 am to 4 pm, so arrive by mid-afternoon if you want a full visit. Closures apply on Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day. The museum's site includes accessibility information and directions, and there is no admission charge, though donations and shop purchases support the work. Exhibitions change, so check what is on before you go.
Fitting it in
Allow one to two hours for a focused visit, or longer if you take a tour and read widely. It combines well with a morning at the Saturday market, a walk around Constitution Dock and Sullivans Cove, or a visit to Battery Point. For visitors who plan to see Port Arthur or Mona, TMAG is a good primer on the history and art of the island.
It is also a sensible indoor choice when Mount Wellington is cloud-covered or the weather turns wet, and it suits families because there is no entry cost and the collections are varied.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided visit to the state museum and art gallery, with optional tours and a shop.
Best time
Mid-morning on a weekday or a wet day, when other outdoor plans are off.
How long
Allow one to two hours.
Tips
Check the opening days for the season, remember that Monday is closed outside summer and public holidays, and look at the tours page for guided visits.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want free context on Tasmanian history, wildlife and art before or after their day trips.
- Families
- Free entry and varied displays make it an easy family stop, especially on a wet day.
- Couples
- Pair a gallery browse with a walk around the waterfront and a coffee on Salamanca Place.
- Pair with
- Pair it with Salamanca Market, Mona, or Battery Point.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Is TMAG free?+
Yes, entry to the museum and art gallery is free. Donations and shop purchases help support it.
When is TMAG open?+
From 1 April to 24 December it opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. From 26 December to 31 March it opens daily with the same hours.
Is it open on public holidays?+
It opens on Monday public holidays year-round. It closes on Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day.
Where is it?+
TMAG is a short walk from the Hobart waterfront. It is close to Salamanca Place, Franklin Wharf and Constitution Dock.
Are there guided tours?+
Tours run on selected days, and details are on the museum's tours page. Check the page before you go if you want a guide.
