Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning. Huh?
April 4th, 2011 | 
Author: Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning, Tasman Highway
The Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning. How (and why) did I end up there? Well, first I borrowed a book from the State Library of Tasmania. Then, I went to watch Australia play Italy in a Fed Cup tennis match. Still don’t follow? Okay, let me explain in more detail…
Baha'i Centre of Learning: 1 Tasman Highway, Hobart
Taste Cafe
The book I borrowed from the library was Tasmania’s Picnics in Paradise, by Karen Goodwin-Roberts. It was recommended to me by Kerry from Visit Vineyards and I loved it so much, I’ve actually borrowed it twice already. Anyway, the local author also owns the Taste Cafe, which operates from the Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning.
Tasmania's Picnics in Paradise by Karen Goodwin-Roberts
The Hobart Centre of Learning building looks fascinating. It’s located on the Tasman Highway between the city centre and the Tasman Bridge in the Queens Domain precinct. Right near the Domain Tennis Centre, where I had arrived a little too early to watch Samantha Stosur and her team-mates. So to kill some time, I headed down the hill, past the Aquatic Centre, to buy a coffee and a cake from the Taste Cafe.
Fabulous idea, except for one thing: the Taste Cafe doesn’t open on Saturdays! Turns out, Karen Goodwin-Roberts also runs a very busy catering business and has more pressing matters to attend to on the weekends. I get that!
Functions, Events, Exhibitions…
But all was not lost, because the friendly volunteers on duty at the Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning were more than happy to show me around inside. And if the building looks fascinating from the Hobart Highway, it’s nothing short of amazing inside.
MONA FOMA performances held at the Hobart Centre of Learning
Looking like some sort of space ship with its domed main roof, the Centre is actually a venue for functions, events and exhibitions. Boasting environmentally sustainable and natural features, the foyer leads to many unique and versatile spaces.
The domed ceiling of the Baha'i Centre of Learning in Hobart
The Tranquility Room, for instance, has the technological gear required to host an educational presentation. But far from being an ordinary rectangular conference room, the walls are rounded and offer views to an interior courtyard. Guests can choose a bay-window seat, and the circular formation means no-one has to sit right up the back (or the front!).
The Tranquility Room, Baha'i Hobart Centre of Learning
Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning
The dome in the auditorium contributes to the acoustic properties of the room, making it perfect for seminars, conventions, and even live performances. With seating for up to 280 guests as a theatre, the Baha’i Centre had recently been used during the MONA FOMA Festival when I visited. An elaborate kite-shaped skylight provides natural light as well as a stunning visual feature.
Kite-shaped skylight in the auditorium: Baha'i Centre of Learning
And while the venue does have some substantial rooms, there are other spaces that cater to a more personal gathering. The board room and several “break out” rooms allow small groups to consult and discuss in private.
So the next time I have to co-ordinate a function, my first contact will be with the Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning. And of course, I still have to go back for that coffee at the Taste Cafe!!
Events, functions, conferences, meetings...
Map: Baha’i Hobart Centre of Learning…
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Posted in Hobart, Tasmanian Food and Drink, Tasmanian People | 
Tags: Arts, Events, Queens Domain Hobart, Restaurants, Tennis
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