Situated within twenty minutes walking distance from the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Narryna Heritage Museum is a must visit when holidaying in Hobart. Built between 1835-40, Narryna is an old fashioned town house which displays the life story of Captain Andrew Haig and his family from the 19th century. The collection has many artefacts associated with maritime and trade and it is renowned as one of the best diversified house museums in Australia. Its colonial style paintings and furniture are known to be some of the best historical pieces you can find from the area.
Originated from India, Narryna means the resting place of the Sea God. Similarly this town house was built by Haig with the intention of making Narryna his resting place after retirement. However he failed to do so and eventually was forced to give up on it due to an economic crisis that arose in Australian colonies. Since 1842 Narryna was occupied by many other rich businessmen, bankers and various politicians.
In later years Narryna went through numerous changes and passed on to many different owners. This town house was transformed into a boarding house in 1920 and then it was owned by the State Government as a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Narryna was also threatened with it being pulled down in order to put up a gas station, however with the influence of local residents, Narryna was launched as Australia’s first folk museum. Today this museum maintains a strong relationship with the University of Tasmania and it also conducts an annual study called “Managing Small Museums and Heritage Places” with the support of the Australian National University.
Travellers to Narryna Museum in Hobart can do advance reservations and there are special packages designed for groups and educational programmes. You can also head down to the Makree House Museum located nearby when you are visiting Hobart. Visitors to the city need not worry about Hobart accommodation as there are many luxury serviced apartments Hobart has in store for the travellers looking for a convenient and a comfortable stay. Somerset on the Pier Hobart is one such option available to the travellers and this centrally located property lets you make the most of your journey to Hobart.