Change to Opening Hours

Opening_Hours

From November, the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) will change its opening hours following a decision made by the museum’s Board of Trustees.

The changes are to ensure TMAG can continue to sustainably deliver an outstanding cultural offering to Tasmanians and visitors.

To operate within its budget the Trustees have felt it necessary to make this decision to help put TMAG on to a more financially sustainable footing.

TMAG and its Board of Trustees have been closely examining its operations and how best to manage the State’s collection and deliver an exceptional visitor experience.

They have agreed that as of November this year, TMAG will no longer open on Mondays and will close at 4:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday.

TMAG and the Trustees note that closing the museum to the public one day each week is in line with major cultural institutions such as MONA, the Louvre in Paris and the Guggenheim in New York.

This change to opening hours will enable efficiencies in operations and allow visitors to enjoy their experiences without unnecessary interruptions.

After extensive modelling of visitation patterns at TMAG, Monday was identified as the most suitable day to close to the public, with visitation at its lowest levels.

With MONA closed on Tuesdays, there will be a major cultural offering available in Hobart seven days a week for Tasmanians and visitors to experience.

The change of opening hours will result in a reduction in the number of casual Visitor Services Officers (VSOs), but a number of new permanent part-time VSO positions will be created. Overall there will be a reduction in staff numbers of fewer than four full time equivalents (FTEs).

TMAG management have met with staff to outline the change in opening hours and provide information on a proposed new award structure. Staff have previously identified concerns with the existing award, and consultation will take place with staff and unions to explore how the award can better reflect the operations of the museum.

The museum has worked closely with schools, external stakeholders, tourism operators and the general public to ensure awareness of the new arrangements.

Please note, the new opening hours will take effect from 3 November 2014.