On Dunn Place beside Hobart’s waterfront, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery brings together natural history, art and stories of Tasmania’s past. Its displays range from Tasmanian wildlife and the extinct thylacine to First Nations culture, colonial history and Antarctic exploration. Look for the ningina tunapri gallery, the thylacine exhibition and the Antarctic displays, then explore the historic buildings that form part of the site. Entry is free, and the varied collections suit a short visit or a longer, unhurried look.
Collections from Tasmania and beyond
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, known as TMAG, brings art, natural science and social history together at Dunn Place, close to Hobart’s waterfront. Its collections cover subjects including zoology, botany, geology, decorative arts, photography and Tasmanian history. The displays move between the island’s natural environment and the people who have shaped its past and present.
Look for the thylacine exhibition, which tells the story of Tasmania’s extinct tiger, and the displays on Antarctic and Southern Ocean exploration. Art galleries and changing exhibitions add contemporary work to the historical and natural science collections. The museum’s programme changes, so check its website if you are interested in a particular exhibition.
First Nations history and colonial stories
The ningina tunapri gallery focuses on Tasmanian Aboriginal culture and history. It is an important stop for understanding the island’s First Nations heritage alongside the museum’s wider collections. The galleries also address colonial history, including the history of convicts and the Black War. These subjects are presented as part of Tasmania’s past, not apart from it.
The site itself adds context to the visit. TMAG occupies a group of historic buildings alongside modern gallery spaces. Among them are the Commissariat Store, dating to around 1810, and the Bond Store, built in 1826. The older structures are visible within the wider museum complex, where the architecture and displays span different periods.
Planning time for your visit
There is no admission charge, so you can explore without needing to fit every gallery into one visit. The range of material is substantial: a focused visit can take around 90 minutes, while visitors who read the displays and explore several collections may want considerably longer. Families can look for interactive elements and dedicated children’s spaces.
Free guided tours run from Wednesday to Sunday at set times, with themed tours also listed in the museum’s programme. Check the TMAG website before you go for the current schedule. The museum is closed on Mondays. Elevators are available as well as staircases, and the waterfront location makes it easy to continue exploring central Hobart on foot.
Perguntas frequentes
Is the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery free?
Yes. Admission is free.
How long should I spend at TMAG?
Allow at least 90 minutes. The collections are extensive, so a more detailed visit can take several hours.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. It has interactive elements and dedicated children’s spaces.
When do free guided tours run?
Free guided tours run Wednesday to Sunday at set times. Check the museum website for the current schedule and themed tours.
