The Hodgman Liberal Government has listened to concerns surrounding the Monday closure of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), and I am pleased to announce the museum will now be open seven days a week during the peak tourism period and on all Monday public holidays.
The extension of opening hours follows extensive consultation between myself and the TMAG Trustees since the Monday closure came into effect. We believe this announcement strikes the right balance and is a step in the right direction that will put TMAG on the right path towards sustainability.
The introduction of a seasonal approach to opening hours means the museum will open seven days a week from Boxing Day until the end of March, and this extension of opening hours is a part of the strategic plan that I have advocated for and fully endorse.
The museum will also open every public holiday that falls on a Monday throughout the year to ensure Tasmanians and visitors to the state are able to enjoy TMAG over long weekends.
TMAG has already planned to open on the Queens’ Birthday public holiday on Monday, 13 June during the Dark Mofo festival.
I am confident the extension of opening hours will provide additional access for the public, strengthen TMAG’s position as one of Tasmania’s premier cultural attractions and help achieve the Government’s goal of attracting 1.5 million visitors to the state by 2020.