Location and how to find the Allport

The Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts is on the ground floor of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania building at 91 Murray Street, Hobart. The museum occupies the far-right corner of the building as you enter. It is about a five minute walk from the city centre. Entry is free and general visiting does not require a booking.

Opening hours and public holiday arrangements

Typical opening hours published by the State Library are Monday to Friday 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 2:00 pm and Sunday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The museum is closed on public holidays. Hours are published by the State Library and can change, so confirm the current times before you travel.

What the collection contains and what you can expect to see

The Allport is a designated special collection within the State Library and Archives of Tasmania. Collection highlights include nineteenth century paintings and prints, rare books, Georgian furniture and decorative arts. The holdings emphasise Australiana and material relating to Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Exhibitions and displays are rotated and items may not be on display at all times, so contact staff if you need to view a particular object.

Access, mobility and on-site facilities

There is level access to all public areas of the State Library and Archives building, including the Allport. Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome inside the premises. Wi Fi is available across the State Library building; published access times indicate Wi Fi is available from 6:00 am until 9:00 pm. If you require specific accessibility support beyond level access or plan to bring mobility equipment, check with the museum in advance to confirm arrangements.

Photography, handling and visitor conduct

Visitors are invited to take photographs for personal use within the Allport unless otherwise indicated. The use of flash and tripods is not permitted. These rules protect fragile materials and reduce risk to exhibits and other visitors. Staff may advise additional restrictions for particular items or displays. If you plan to photograph for any purpose beyond personal use, contact the museum ahead of your visit to confirm permissions.

Group visits, tours and school bookings

While general admission does not require a booking, guided tours for school groups and special interest groups should be arranged in advance. The museum accepts bookings for group tours and can advise which displays are most suitable for study visits. Enquiries and bookings for tours are handled by email and by phone. For larger school or research groups, request information on supervision, recommended durations and the most relevant material to support learning objectives.

Research visits and access to rare items

The Allport includes rare books, manuscripts and fragile objects. Some materials may only be available by appointment and will require supervision or specific handling procedures. If you intend to consult items from the collection for research, contact the museum before you travel to confirm availability, handling conditions and whether staff assistance will be provided on the day. This reduces the risk that a requested item is unavailable due to conservation work or display rotation.

Legal background, collection management and loans

The Allport collection was bequeathed to the State by Henry Allport and has been managed under specific legislative arrangements since relocation to the purpose-built State Library premises in the early 1970s. Management provisions preserve the Allport as a reference library and museum of fine arts and provide for acquisitions, conservation and administration of trust funds created under the bequest. The legislation and management committee arrangements allow the collection to retain a separate identity while permitting lending of items under controlled conditions. Amendments permit temporary loans of items outside Tasmania where authorised.

Final checks before you go

Confirm opening hours for the date you plan to visit and whether any public holiday closures apply. If you are visiting with a group, book a tour in advance by email or phone. For research or to view a specific object, contact the museum ahead of time to ensure the item will be accessible on the day and to learn about handling requirements. Remember that photography is for personal use only and that flash and tripods are not permitted. If you need Wi Fi, guide dog access or other support, mention this when you make enquiries so staff can advise and prepare.