Mona, the museum of old and new art in Hobart, has unveiled its latest addition: the Phrontistery, a library that houses the extensive book collection of founder David Walsh. The space, designed by Walsh himself, features over 4,000 rare and unique texts, including a first folio of Shakespeare's plays and a signed copy of David Bowie's 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars'.
A unique blend of art and literature
The Phrontistery, which opened to the public on June 22, 2026, is described by Walsh as 'a place for thinking differently'. The library's name derives from the Greek word 'phrontisterion', meaning a place for thought. Walsh, a mathematician and professional gambler, has curated the collection to reflect his eclectic interests, spanning science, philosophy, art, and music.
According to Mona's director, Nicole Durling, 'The Phrontistery is not just a library; it's an artwork in itself. David has arranged the books not alphabetically but according to his own logic, creating unexpected juxtapositions that encourage new connections.'
Highlights of the collection
Among the most prized items is a 1623 first folio of Shakespeare's comedies, histories, and tragedies, one of only about 230 surviving copies. Another highlight is a rare 1972 lyric sheet for 'Starman' annotated by Bowie, alongside a copy of the 1972 album 'The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust' signed by the artist. The collection also includes a first edition of Isaac Newton's 'Principia Mathematica' and a signed copy of Alan Turing's 'On Computable Numbers'.
Walsh said, 'I wanted to create a space where the books themselves could tell a story. Each book is a portal to a different world, and the arrangement is designed to spark serendipitous discoveries.'
Architecture and design
The Phrontistery is housed in a new wing of Mona, with floor-to-ceiling shelves made from Tasmanian blackwood. The space features reading nooks and a central fireplace, designed to evoke a sense of intimacy and contemplation. The lighting is dimmed to protect the fragile volumes, with individual reading lamps available for visitors.
The library also includes a conservation lab where visitors can watch book restorers at work. Mona's head of conservation, Sarah Jackson, noted, 'We are dedicated to preserving these treasures for future generations. The lab is open so that visitors can see the care that goes into maintaining the collection.'
Public access and events
The Phrontistery is open during regular Mona hours, with free entry for Tasmanian residents. Special events, including talks by authors and scholars, are planned. The first event, scheduled for July 2026, features a discussion on the influence of Shakespeare on modern art.
Walsh concluded, 'I hope the Phrontistery becomes a place where people can escape the noise of the world and engage with ideas in a deep way.'
