TMAG reawakens tomorrow

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) will throw open the doors of its spectacular $30 million redevelopment to the public tomorrow, Friday 15 March, and all Tasmanians are invited to join in the celebrations.

“The redeveloped TMAG is a truly spectacular museum that all Tasmanians can be proud of,” Premier and Minister for the Arts Lara Giddings said.

Ms Giddings said visitors would be amazed from the moment they walk in through the new visitor entrance through the historic Watergate entrance on Dunn Place.

“Tasmanians have enjoyed their state museum and art gallery for the last 150 years, what visitors will see when they arrive at the new museum tomorrow paves the way for the next 150 years,” Ms Giddings said.

“This redevelopment is the realisation of the largest government investment in cultural infrastructure in Tasmania’s history.

“And I am extremely impressed by the quality of the design and workmanship, and that it has given new life to parts of the museum never before opened to the public.

“I am particularly proud of the efforts that have been made to ensure equitable access to all of the wonderful heritage buildings on the site.

“I’d like to pay tribute to all the TMAG staff who have lived with the renovations as well as created stunning exhibitions in old and new spaces, and I’d also like to thank all the designers and workers who have brought our vision to life.”

TMAG Director Bill Bleathman said while the redevelopment had been a long journey, the result had been worth the wait.

“Making a contribution to the cultural memory of our great state has been an honour that none of us here at TMAG have taken lightly,” Mr Bleathman said.

“The redevelopment has enabled us to showcase the objects and buildings that have fashioned the very essence of what it is to be Tasmanian.

“Our collection is the broadest of any single cultural institution in the nation and is now more accessible than ever before.”

Mr Bleathman said TMAG’s reopening weekend was set to be a blockbuster, with plenty of activities and entertainment available for visitors of all ages.

“We are expecting thousands of locals, as well as interstate and international tourists, to visit TMAG this weekend to get their first glimpse of the new-look museum,” Mr Bleathman said.

“Visitors can also enjoy theatre performance The Dream of the Thylacine and the exhibition Unique States – Seriality and the Panoramic in the prints of Raymond Arnold, which are being presented as part of Ten Days on the Island.

“We know that Tasmanians have been missing their regular visits to TMAG, and so we can’t wait to welcome them to come and explore the new museum from tomorrow.”

The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery will be open to the public from tomorrow, Friday 15 March 2013. Opening hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily, except Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day. Admission is free.

For a copy of our What’s on guide, click here.

To view a visitor map, click here.

For more information about the Ten Days on the Island events happening at TMAG, please visit www.tendaysontheisland.com