In the room
The experience
Dark Mofo runs every June, the southern hemisphere's midwinter, on the MONA museum's subterranean Berriedale campus on the Derwent estuary. David Walsh's museum is cut three storeys down into a sandstone cliff. The tank gallery, the lowest level, hosts the festival's most ritualised programming: Ryoji Ikeda commissions, William Basinski residencies, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra performing in candlelight. The Nude Solstice Swim at sunrise on 21 June, 2,000 swimmers in red caps entering the Derwent at 8°C, is the festival's de facto closing number. The season and the room are the programme.
Insider tip
Walk in knowing
The Nude Solstice Swim at sunrise on 21 June is the festival's closing ritual. 2,000 swimmers, red caps, 8°C water.
Why it fits
Why it is in the atlas
The room (a cliff cut by hand) and the season (winter solstice) are the programme.
Plan the trip
When to go, hours, getting there
Best time to go
Annual, two weeks centred on the winter solstice (21 June). The first week is the build, the second week is the headline programming. The Solstice Swim is the closing event.
Hours
Annual two-week festival, mid-June to early July. MONA museum itself open daily 10:00 to 17:00 year-round (closed Tuesdays in low season). Dark Mofo programming nightly during the festival.
Getting there
Fly Hobart (HBA), then MONA ROMA ferry from Brooke Street Pier to the museum (25 minutes by boat across the Derwent). The boat is part of the visit. Alternatively bus 520 from central Hobart, 30 minutes.
Straight from the source
Official site and tickets
Dates, line-ups and tickets come from the organiser. Opens darkmofo.net.au in a new tab.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Where is Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart)?
Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart) is in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Coordinates: -42.8290, 147.2640.
What kind of music is at Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart)?
Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart) programmes Avant-Garde, Drone, Choral, Electronic. Two-week midwinter festival at David Walsh's MONA museum, June each year. Subterranean Berriedale gallery becomes the engine room for ritualised noise, fire, and ceremonial swimming.
When is the best time to visit Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart)?
Annual, two weeks centred on the winter solstice (21 June). The first week is the build, the second week is the headline programming. The Solstice Swim is the closing event.
How do I get to Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart)?
Fly Hobart (HBA), then MONA ROMA ferry from Brooke Street Pier to the museum (25 minutes by boat across the Derwent). The boat is part of the visit. Alternatively bus 520 from central Hobart, 30 minutes.
Why is Dark Mofo (MONA Hobart) in the Sonic Paths atlas?
The room (a cliff cut by hand) and the season (winter solstice) are the programme.
Stay
Book somewhere to stay nearby
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