Accessibility
Mona is David’s lounge room. The idea is to let go of any set plan or pathway and see where your curiosity takes you. Just keep your feet off the couch, you hooligan.
Getting here
Ferry
Catch the ferry to Mona. It’s the best way to get here; in fact, the approach by water is built into David’s design of the place. The lower deck is accessible for mobility aids and prams, and includes a bar and accessible toilet. Upon arrival at Mona, you will disembark at the bottom of 99 stairs that lead up to the museum entrance. David says you have to make the ascent if you’re able; and he’ll tell you why, here. There’s also an accessible entrance via tunnel if you need it. If this is you, make yourself known to staff on the ferry. The ferry departs Hobart from Brooke Street Pier (accessible via lift and ramp entrance).
Drive
If driving to Mona, accessible parking spots are located in the main car park, approximately 320m from the museum entrance. Go to the top of the driveway, turn left and look for the signs. Then head up past the lawns towards the museum. Alternatively, get dropped off at the bus stop at the top of the drive, approximately 200m from the museum entrance.
Here's a map of the Mona grounds >
Getting around
Mona is mostly accessible for mobility aids (wheelchairs, walking frames and scooters), prams, and assistance and guide dogs. The museum has a ground-level entrance, including an information desk, cloaking and shop; and three subterranean floors: B1 nearest the top, then B2, and B3 at the very bottom. Three lifts operate inside the museum. You’ll find maps of each museum floor on the O.
Mobility aids
We recommend bringing your own mobility aids (there’s quite a bit of walking in the museum). Mona has some wheelchairs available to borrow, but these can’t be reserved in advance. Speak to staff at the museum entrance when you get here.
Some parts of the museum are not accessible with mobility aids: the Pausiris chamber, parts of the heritage-listed Round House building, and certain artworks such as James Turrell’s Unseen Seen, Richard Wilson’s 20:50 and Alfredo Jaar’s The Divine Comedy.
Good to know
The museum can get a bit dark, noisy and sometimes smelly. Strobe lighting operates in some areas; check the map on your O. Be aware if you don’t like confined spaces. Ditto the feeling of getting a bit lost. It’s all part of your journey through Mona.
Taking a break
There are seats throughout the museum if you want to relax (just don’t sit on the art, the curators get sad when that happens, unless it’s an art seat). There’s even a bar. Settle in. Have a drink. If you need somewhere quiet for a break, try the parent and carer room on B3. Speak to gallery staff positioned throughout the museum if you need assistance.
The grounds
Mona’s grounds are a bit hilly and mostly accessible via footpaths and ramps. Here you’ll find the mostly accessible Moorilla Wine Bar and Ether Building, which houses accommodation reception on the ground floor and the Source Restaurant and Cellar Door upstairs (accessible via lift).
Supportive time slots
It’s Mona at our quieter times, plus extra staff on the floor in case you need a bit more support. They’re the ones with the bright pink lanyards, and have undergone accessibility training. Supportive time slots are held when the museum is usually less busy: Saturdays at 10am, and Fridays, Sundays and Mondays at 3pm. Follow the prompts to book museum entry and we’ll see you there.
The O
We don’t have labels on the walls at Mona. We have the O.
It’s a free mobile app that includes information about the art on display plus a visitor guide and maps, pinpointing useful stuff like the three lifts, parent and carer room, and accessible toilets. The O supports VoiceOver and screen reader functionality. We recommend downloading the O before your visit.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located across Mona. In the museum: next to the museum entrance; and on B3, next to the Void Bar (close to the main lift), in Pharos (just behind Faro Bar and Restaurant) and in the Round House at the far end of the floor. Outside the museum: in the Moorilla Wine Bar and Ether Building. Most accessible toilets have change facilities, and the ones in Courtyard House and by the Void Bar have sharps disposal bins. Additional toilets can be found on B2.
Contact
If you have any questions or specific requirements, contact our Bookings and Enquiries team before your visit.
+61 (3) 6277 9978
And if you have any feedback on accessibility at Mona, please let us know by filling out this form.