Narryna

Narryna – the Merchant’s House – is a Georgian townhouse in Battery Point. It offers a glimpse into Tasmania’s colonial past, providing insight into the lives of the region’s wealthy settlers. Built in the 1830s, this historic house showcases the lifestyle and history of Hobart’s early residents.

Narryna was built between 1835 and 1840 for Captain Andrew Haig, a merchant and shipowner who played a key role in early Tasmanian trade. Haig used his fortune from shipping and trade to build Narryna as a private residence. Over time, Narryna was converted into a boarding house, a hospital and a tenancy for various businesses.

Narryna is now owned by the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) and is a key part of Hobart’s cultural heritage.

Narryna’s architectural significance lies in its fine Georgian design, with symmetrical proportions, classic features and solid sandstone construction. The museum not only preserves the architectural details of the period but also presents a slice of the social history of early European settlement in Tasmania.

What to See at Narryna

Visitors can explore rooms that recreate the daily life of Hobart’s upper-middle class in the 19th century. The museum is furnished with period pieces, including furniture, textiles and decorative arts that reflect the domestic life of the time.

One of the highlights is the drawing room, which is furnished to represent a formal space where the Haig family would have entertained guests. The room features period furniture, including a grand piano, elegant chairs and richly coloured fabrics. Other rooms, such as the dining room and bedrooms, offer a similar level of detail in their presentation of the Georgian period, showing how different aspects of the home would have been used for family life and social occasions.

Narryna’s collection also includes an array of personal items, such as clothing, jewellery and household objects, providing an intimate look at the everyday lives of the people who lived there. Exhibits focus on the experiences of the original inhabitants, from the wealthy Haig family to the servants who worked behind the scenes. Special exhibitions are held regularly, often focusing on themes related to Tasmanian history, early colonisation or specific aspects of life in colonial Hobart.

Outside, visitors can explore the gardens, which have been restored to reflect the 19th-century style, with paths, plants and outbuildings that offer additional insights into the estate’s history. The gardens provide a quiet retreat and an interesting contrast to the busy city surroundings of Battery Point.

Visiting Narryna

Narryna is in Battery Point, Hobart and is just a short walk from the Salamanca Place, known for its market and cafes.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday and admission costs $10.

Due to the historic nature of the building, only the ground floor of Narryna is wheelchair accessible.

Allow around an hour for your visit.

We may earn a small commission if you book after clicking the links below.

103 Hampden Road, Hobart TAS 7000
Website www.narryna.com.au
Admission $10, concession $8, children $5
Open Tue–Sat 10am–4pm