Once a far-flung colonial outpost, Tasmania is rich in history and cultural diversity. In fact, the Royal Society of Tasmania was the first Royal Society set up outside the United Kingdom. It was established in 1844 and is still active today.
You can sense it in the 10,000 year old stone carvings at Tiagarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre; view it on the outdoor walls of Sheffield's murals; touch it in the pock-marked sandstone walls of convict-built buildings of Port Arthur Historic Site; and experience aspects of our culture and heritage in the fine exhibitions at Launceston's Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery or the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in Hobart.
Our vibrant arts scene has enjoyed some exciting recent developments. The opening of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) has created such a stir that already it has exceeded visitor number expectations since opening in early 2011 and is the nation’s largest private art collection.
MONA reveals Egyptian mummies, ancient coins and curiosities alongside some of the world’s most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art.
Admission to most public galleries and museums is free for Tasmanians, $20 for visitors from elsewhere.
Go behind the scenes at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). Read more about TMAG.
Stand in the footsteps of celebrated colonial artist John Glover. Read more about John Glover.Learn about Tasmania's Chinese mining past through artefacts unearthed in the State's north-east. Read more about our first Chinese settlers.
The Tasmanian Saddlery School offers courses in saddle-making and leatherwork.
Attraction Hobart and Surrounds Woodsdale
Wavesong Art Studio is a working studio situated in Beaumaris on Tasmania's sunny east coast.
Attraction East Coast Beaumaris
The Dunalley Waterfront Cafe and Gallery is a contemporary gallery and eatery in Tasmania’s South.
Attraction Hobart and Surrounds Dunalley
The Leven Valley Vineyard is located at Gunns Plains, northwest Tasmania.
Attraction North West Coast Gunns Plains
The Huon Valley Apple Museum is located at Grove, southern Tasmania.
Attraction Hobart and Surrounds Grove
The Artists’ Garret is a working studio and gallery in Deloraine, northern Tasmania.
Attraction North West Coast Launceston, Tamar and the North Deloraine
Olde Time Portraits in Richmond, south-east Tasmania, specialises in colonial-style costume portraits.
Attraction Hobart and Surrounds Richmond
Panogana Pottery is Tasmania’s largest production pottery workshop at Dodges Ferry, southeast Tasmania.
Attraction Hobart and Surrounds Dodges Ferry
Village in a Villa presents Hanby Town, a 1:12th scale model village in Hobart, Tasmania.
Attraction Hobart and Surrounds Hobart
The Academy Gallery is located at the University of Tasmania, at Inveresk, northern Tasmania.