Hadley’s Launches Art Bar, Inviting Hobart to Rediscover an Iconic Venue

A familiar space inside Hadley’s Orient Hotel has been given a fresh identity with the launch of the Art Bar at Hadley’s.

Celebrating the tenth edition of the Hadley’s Art Prize, the new concept reflects the hotel’s longstanding connection to the arts and continues the evolution of one of Hobart’s most loved gathering places.

Art has always been central to Hadley’s story, and the Art Bar at Hadley’s now hosts a permanent public display of winning entries from the $100,000 Hadley’s Art Prize. First held in 2017, the nationally recognised prize celebrates contemporary portrayals of the Australian landscape.

But the Art Bar at Hadley’s is for everyone. The art provides a striking backdrop for the warm hospitality Hadley’s has been known for since 1834.

Accessed through its distinctive red door on Murray Street, the Art Bar at Hadley’s invites locals and visitors to step inside, slow down and enjoy a space where art provides the backdrop and hospitality remains the focus.

Hadley’s Orient Hotel operator Ben Targett said the new identity reflects the idea that great hospitality is about creating places where people genuinely enjoy spending time together.

“Our team has worked hard to reimagine one of Tasmania’s oldest and most famous hospitality spaces. This concept immerses our customers in the wonderfully stylish surrounds of Hadley’s and adds to the experience of visiting the hotel.

“The Art Bar at Hadley’s offers a contemporary expression of Hadley’s commitment to hospitality, culture and community—a place designed to bring people together,” Mr Targett said.

“I guess you could say the Art Bar at Hadley’s is the city’s newest old favourite.”

The menu includes hot and cold share plates, alongside classic cocktails, champagne, beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.

Hadley's Food & Beverage. Image Credit: Natasha Mulhall
Hadley's Food & Beverage. Image Credit: Natasha Mulhall

About Hadley’s Orient Hotel

Established in 1834, Hadley’s Orient Hotel is Tasmania’s oldest continuously operating boutique hotel and Australia’s oldest art hotel, with artworks exhibited throughout the hotel since the 1880s.

Located in the heart of Hobart, the hotel is recognised for its heritage, hospitality and commitment to the arts, including the nationally recognised Hadley’s Art Prize.

The 2026 Hadley’s Art Prize exhibition opens to the public on Saturday 1 August. The finalist exhibition will be open daily from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, with free entry and artworks available for purchase.

The Art Bar at Hadley’s launches on Friday 17 July 2026 and is located at 34 Murray Street, Hobart. Enter through the red door.

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