If you are looking for a place to learn, explore, and have fun in Hobart, look no further than the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). TMAG is Tasmania’s leading natural and cultural heritage organization and one of the oldest museums in Australia.
It is a combined museum, art gallery, and herbarium that houses a range of collections and displays, such as Aboriginal and colonial history, wildlife and ecology, maritime and Antarctic exploration, and contemporary art.
In this blog post, I will share with you some of the highlights and attractions of TMAG, as well as some tips and information on how to plan your visit.
What to see and do at TMAG
TMAG has something for everyone, whether you are interested in history, art, science, or culture. Here are some of the exhibitions and galleries that you can enjoy at TMAG:
- mapiya lumi | around here: This is a specially-developed gallery for children aged 0-7 years, where they can play, create, and discover the natural and cultural world around them. The gallery features interactive and sensory activities, such as a water play table, a puppet theatre, a reading corner, and a dress-up area.
- The Power of Change: This is a display of artworks by Tasmanian women artists, celebrating their creativity, diversity, and contribution to the state’s cultural identity. The display features paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, and more from the 19th century to the present day.
- The Remarkable Tasmanian Devil: This is a comprehensive exhibition on the iconic animal that is endemic to Tasmania. The exhibition explores the biology, behavior, and conservation of the Tasmanian devil, as well as its cultural and historical significance. You can see live devils, skeletons, fossils, artworks, and more.
- Our land: Parrawa, Parrawa! Go away!: This is a powerful and moving exhibition that tells the story of the Aboriginal resistance to the British invasion and settlement of Tasmania. The exhibition features historical and contemporary objects, images, and voices, as well as a memorial wall that honors the lives and deaths of the Aboriginal people who fought for their land.
- Islands to Ice: This is an immersive and interactive exhibition that showcases the natural and human history of Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. The exhibition features specimens, artifacts, models, maps, and multimedia, as well as a replica of Mawson’s Huts, the historic buildings used by the Australasian Antarctic Expedition of 1911-14.
These are just some of the many exhibitions and galleries that you can explore at TMAG. You can also visit the house museums, such as Narryna and Markree House Museum, which are historic buildings that offer a glimpse into Hobart’s past.
How to plan your visit to TMAG
TMAG is located across the road from the waterfront and is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The museum also has a children’s gallery, a shop, and a cafe.
You can easily access TMAG by public transport, car, bike, or foot. There are bus stops nearby, as well as parking spaces and bike racks. You can also walk from the city center or Salamanca Place, which are both about 10 minutes away.
You can spend as much time as you like at TMAG, but I recommend at least two hours to see the main exhibitions and galleries. You can also join a guided tour, which runs daily at 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and lasts for about an hour. The tours are free, and no bookings are required.
You can also access online resources, such as virtual tours, podcasts, videos, and blogs, to enhance your visit. You can find these on the TMAG website or by scanning the QR codes throughout the museum.
Why you should visit TMAG
TMAG is a wonderful place to discover the natural and cultural heritage of Tasmania and to learn about its people, places, and stories. It is also a place to have fun, be inspired, and connect with others. TMAG is more than just a museum, it is a community and a destination.
I hope this blog post has given you a glimpse of what TMAG has to offer and has encouraged you to visit this amazing museum. Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate at TMAG.