To MONA on the MONA Roma

The Museum of Old and New Art - MONA is a reason, on its own, to visit Hobart!

The Bloke is not, sadly, the greatest fan of museums and art galleries so I seized on a super opportunity to go with Penny Forlano, wife of one of the Bloke's nephews. Penny and Glen are visiting Tasmania for a well earned rest over Christmas with their 2 boys (yes, it's true, Oldfields have a lot of boys). We girls were happy to leave the men and boys to their own devices. Penny is an acclaimed designer in her own right and was extremely keen for the MONA experience so I was greatly privileged to accompany her and more especially because it was her birthday (21/12/2014)!

So what's the MONA ROMA?  It's a catamaran ferry that you can catch from the central Hobart wharves near Salamanca Place and it will deliver you to the MONA site. You can also drive there but if you can handle 99 steps (the caution sign on the dock warns you to "toughen up" when you buy your ferry ticket) it becomes the start of your 'experience'. For a little extra, you can upgrade your ticket to the Posh Pit. This upgrade gives you entry to the Posh Pit lounge at the bow of the Roma which is very plush and where you'll be served with beverages of choice plus canapes during the 20 minute trip there and again on the return. It also includes a wine tasting tour of the Moorilla Winery which shares the site. Penny and I unsurprisingly chose the Sparkling Riesling for our trip beverage and sensing a celebration, the crew topped us up a couple of times. Golden! This really set the tone.

 

The MR -1 a MONA Roma (MONA ferry). 

The Posh Pit is at the bow as denoted by the gold couch.

You can also ride there on a sheep's back at the stern!

A shameless selfie in the Posh Pit- Happy Birthday Penny!

99 steps up and 99 down again later.

MONA even turns on stylish wildlife like this blue tongue lizard spotted on one of those 99 steps.

Tasmanians are the beneficiaries of both the generosity and vision of David Walsh who is described as a professional gambler. What might that be? It conjures up images of tuxedos, roulette wheels, James Bond, Oceans 11 etc... but I think he's a lot cleverer than that. He apparently developed a system for betting on horse races and other sports. It has been so profitable that he has been able to invest profits from his enterprises into the site at the Berriedale Peninsula, Hobart which includes MONA as well as a vineyard and holiday condo's (Pavillions). The site, the Museum and all the branding associated with it is uncompromising and flawless and the selection of the displays is thought provoking, confronting and refreshing. For me, this was a feast for all senses.

 Rest your bum on this and eat a fabulous lunch showcasing the best of Tasmanian foods.

We did!

 Couldn't resist snapping a planting.

 Even the ducks arrange themselves aesthetically.

 This patron got into the groove with her shape and geometric pants.

I will honour MONA's copyright by not sharing artworks. They are for you to enjoy when you come.

This is however something you are unlikely ever to see.
It is a 'Frottage' and my own contribution to one of the installations.

You can add one too if you come and learn what the Japanese artist had in mind.

The museum galleries are below ground and the entry is via this distorted mirror wall.... itself a dynamic image that includes me and Penny. You owe it to yourself to visit and experience MONA. Come on, it's not far, it's only Tasmania!