This Week In The Can
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Your essential guide to what’s on in Canberra this week!
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WHAT NOT TO MISS
SUMMER OASIS AT THE HOWLING MOON
This summer, Canberra’s first rooftop bar has transformed into a tropical retreat, offering guests an early afternoon happy hour, speciality cocktails, summer snacks, live music and an ambience that promises to cool things right down.
With local performers lifting the vibe from 1 pm – 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, this incredible Braddon bar has your weekend plans covered.
Grab a cocktail pitcher and some snacks, capture your photo amongst the palm leaves and soak up the sun from the fully enclosed rooftop.
Happening every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at The Howling Moon, The Rex Hotel.
See the website for more information.
Christmas Day Banquet at Natural Nine
Does a fully catered banquet with a premium drinks package sound like the perfect Christmas present for you?
natural nine’s XMAS DAY BANQUET has got all you need for a day full of food and festivities.
For $129pp, treat yourself to 10 Pop Chinese dishes including rock oysters, five spiced roast pork and crackling, fruit mince steam buns with yuzu custard, AND a 3-hour premium beverage package.
Happening Tuesday 25 December from 12-3 pm at Natural Nine, inside Casino Canberra 21 Binara Street, City.
Check out the menu here. Book on 0455 333 119 or see natural9.com.au/menu/xmas-day-banquet.
Love and Desire Pre-Raphaelite Masterpiece from the Tate (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Discover a stunning world of Love & Desire as the Tate’s pre-Raphaelite masterpieces come to Australia for this Summer’s most romantic exhibition.
Fall in love with John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of brilliant colour, meticulous detail and exquisite layering in paintings inspired by the great love stories of history and literature.
Happening until 28 April 2019 at The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes from 10 am.
For more information visit National Gallery of Australia.
Merry + Bright Christmas in Civic
Celebrate the festive season this summer at Merry + Bright with bright vibrant colours, music, entertainment, picnics, movies, trackless train rides, and a dance party combined with all your favourite elements of Christmas – trees, presents and Santa!
Over the 10 days of Christmas, City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place will come alive and Civic will be dressed for the festive season, with street art, decorations, festive lighting, trackless train and a live Christmas tree forest.
See the full packed program of entertainment will get you into the holiday spirit on the website.
Happening 14 – 24 December along City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place in Civic.
See the website for the full line up of events and more information.
OPENING HOURS
- Monday 24 December – 11 am – 4 pm
The Merry Go Round will be open at these times (standard fare applies)
SUNSET CINEMA
Sink into a beanbag, sip on fine wine…. laugh long and loud.
Sunset Cinema is back at the Botanic Gardens from November til January. Featuring foot-stomping blockbusters, family favourites and VHS classics under the stars.
With full bar facilities and more food than you can poke a fork at, Sunset Cinema is the ultimate way to soak up Summer in Canberra this year.
Feature films include Bohemian Rhapsody, Fantastic Beasts 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Check the website to see the full program.
Happening until 12 January 2019 at the National Botanic Gardens.
See the website for more information.
BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Why did it take so long for women to get elected? And once they were there, what was their experience within the parliament?
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first women elected to Australian Federal Parliament, Breaking Through exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy explores the journeys of 11 trailblazers who were the first to hold particular parliamentary positions.
These are stories of resilience, perseverance and ground-breaking achievements.
From 1943 when Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons were the first women elected to parliament through to today where woman have held the highest positions in all areas of parliament, including Prime Minister.
Breaking Through exhibition, recognises the significant contribution these women made in Australia’s democracy. Look back on their lives, uncover their motivations and what they view as their greatest achievements.
Told through never before seen portraits, each a unique representation by a young artist, and powerful stories of change-makers breaking through, this exhibition will inspire visitors to think about the role of women in parliament, what it took to get there and whether we’ve come far enough.
Showing until 28 August 2019 from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
See the website for more information.
ROME: CITY + EMPIRE (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Stories of Rome and its vast empire continue to captivate and intrigue people almost 3000 years after their foundation.
Rome: City and Empire brings to Canberra more than 200 of the British Museum’s most engaging and beautiful Roman objects. They tell the story of how Rome grew from a series of small villages to become a mighty empire.
Explore how the empire was won and held, witness the grandeur of Rome and appreciate the rich diversity of its peoples.
Happening until 3 February from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton.
See the website for more information.
COOK AND THE PACIFIC (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Visitors to Cook and the Pacific will follow James Cook’s three remarkable Pacific voyages, and explore this spectacular region through the eyes of the British voyagers and the First Nations peoples they met.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey to the Pacific 250 years ago, with destinations including Tahiti, New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, Hawaii and even Siberia.
With content drawn from around the world, visitors will be enthralled by maps, manuscripts, rare books, large oil paintings, delicate watercolours by voyage artists, medallions, cartoons and poetry.
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.
See the website for more information.
Democracy. Are you in? (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Your voice, your hands and even your feet have the power to be heard. Our freedoms and our way of life have been built on the foundation of democracy. This living system is sustained through the participation of each and all of us. Democracy is sustained by you. Australian democracy is a work in progress. Curiously, at a time of stability and unparalleled economic growth, confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades. But giving up on them is not the answer. Our democracy needs us. Are you in?
Open daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.
BEAUTY RICH AND RARE (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
An immersive sound and light experience illuminating the natural beauty of Australia through the eyes of Sir Joseph Banks.
Feel the excitement and wonder of Banks and his team of botanists, scientists, and illustrators as they documented Australia’s unique botanical and animal species, astonishing eighteenth-century Europe.
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.
See the website for more information.
Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Audiences around the world know and love Heath Ledger as a charismatic movie star who pushed boundaries and created iconic roles. Now they have a chance to discover Heath’s creative process and deep passion for the film industry and the visual arts, in a unique exhibition curated in collaboration with his family.
Explore a selection of film costumes and props, Heath’s own character research journals, celebrity portraits and acting awards and more. A Life in Pictures offers a rare insight into the man behind the camera. A program of special screenings and talks will complement the exhibition.
Showing until 10 February 2019 at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton. See website for more information.
Trivia Tuesdays at Casino Canberra
Got a brain full of useless facts and information? Make some money off it at Casino Canberra!
Trivia kicks off at 6:30 pm every Tuesday with free entry and cash prizes to be won!
Visit the website for more information.
From 6 – 8.30 pm at Keep Co NewActon.
See Facebook for more information.
PLAYUP (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
Discover PlayUP – The Right to Have an Opinion and Be Heard, where kids can explore the United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child in a playful way. Adults can even join in the fun too! From listening pods and a roleplay Kindness Café to a fuzzy felt wall and craft activities, PlayUP has a range of exciting and immersive experiences that flip the traditional idea of museums completely on its head.
See the website for more information. Free after museum admission. Open from 9 am to 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Cost: Free.
MathsAlive! (See website for opening hours over Christmas)
MathsAlive!, the one-of-a-kind interactive maths and science exhibit, that has drawn record-breaking crowds in five countries around the world is coming to Canberra in December!
Experience how maths plays a role in our everyday lives through sports, nature, robotics, design, dancing, movie-making and more. Ride in a live-action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design your own 3-D animation or capture your image in a 360 freeze-motion video.
MathsAlive!, a Raytheon Company initiative consists of dozens of immersive interactive exhibits and is suitable for years 3 – 10.
Free admission. Open daily 9am – 5pm (closed 25 December) until 17 March 2019 at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes.
More information on the website.
Trivia Tuesdays
Grab your mates, grab a drink and get ready for a good time. MOLO Live will be hosting trivia every Tuesday – and if that wasn’t good enough, the winners get to ‘pluck a duck’ for a chance to win some awesome prizes.
If your team is the brainiest you stand a chance to win a keg, vouchers from Brodburger, Bentspoke or STA Travel and heaps more!
Happening every Tuesday from 5.30 pm at MOLO Live, in the ANU Pop-Up Village on ANU Campus, Acton.
FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS
Extended Trading hours at Canberra Centre
Enjoy Canberra Centre’s extended opening hours this festive season so you can get more done.
For a comprehensive list of opening times, click here.
Happening until 2 January 2019 at Canberra Centre.
See the website for more information
Extended Trade at Westfield
Need more time?
With so much to do at this time of year, it feels like there is never enough hours in the day! Westfield Woden and Belconnen will be open longer to make it easy this Christmas. Enjoy extended trading hours at Westfield from Sunday 9th December – Wednesday 26th December.
Plus, this year Westfield will be offering customers the opportunity to shop until Midnight on Wednesday 19 December.
At Westfield Woden you will be able to enjoy a complimentary prosecco bar, live music and sweet treats while you shop!
Happening until 26 December at Westfield Belconnen and Westfield Woden. Click on the centres now for opening hours.
Red Nose Gift Wrapping at Canberra Centre
Have your gifts wrapped to perfection at Canberra Centre’s gift wrap bar for just a gold coin donation.
All proceeds go to Red Nose in support of the important work they do for families
Happening until 24 December on the Ground level, outside Myer.
See the website for more information.
SANTA’S ENCHANTED GARDEN at Canberra Centre
Father Christmas will be available for photos daily up until Christmas Eve…skip the queue and pre-book your ticket online.
Level One, Canberra Centre, Bunda Street, City.
See the website for more information.
CHARITY CHRISTMAS WRAPPING AT SOUTH.POINT TUGGERANONG
Gift Wrapping, the not-so-fun part of Christmas.
No need to stress, simply visit South.Point’s gift-wrapping station in Centre Court and have all of your gifts wrapped for $1 each with all funds will be donated to the Lions Club.
Happening until 24 December from 9 am – 5 pm daily at Centre Court, South.Point Tuggeranong.
Kids Christmas Activities
Keep your little elves happy!
Christmas can be a busy time of year so to help keep your little ones entertained, visit Westfield’s kids Christmas activity zone. Every day there is something at the space to help keep the kids entertained. From playing games to storytelling to arts and crafts.
Happening until 24 December. Located in Belconnen: Level 1, next to the Santa Set and at Woden on level 1, next to the Santa Set.
FOOD & DRINK
Christmas Day Banquet at Natural Nine
Does a fully catered banquet with a premium drinks package sound like the perfect Christmas present for you?
natural nine’s XMAS DAY BANQUET has got all you need for a day full of food and festivities.
For $129pp, treat yourself to 10 Pop Chinese dishes including rock oysters, five spiced roast pork and crackling, fruit mince steam buns with yuzu custard, AND a 3-hour premium beverage package.
Happening Tuesday 25 December from 12-3 pm at Natural Nine, inside Casino Canberra 21 Binara Street, City.
Check out the menu here. Book on 0455 333 119 or see natural9.com.au/menu/xmas-day-banquet.
SUMMER OASIS AT THE HOWLING MOON
This summer, Canberra’s first rooftop bar has transformed into a tropical retreat, offering guests an early afternoon happy hour, speciality cocktails, summer snacks, live music and an ambience that promises to cool things right down.
With local performers lifting the vibe from 1 pm – 4 pm every Saturday and Sunday, this incredible Braddon bar has your weekend plans covered.
Grab a cocktail pitcher and some snacks, capture your photo amongst the palm leaves and soak up the sun from the fully enclosed rooftop.
Happening every Saturday from 1 – 4 pm at The Howling Moon, The Rex Hotel.
See the website for more information.
MUSIC, STAGE AND THEATRE
Merry + Bright Christmas in Civic
Celebrate the festive season this summer at Merry + Bright with bright vibrant colours, music, entertainment, picnics, movies, trackless train rides, and a dance party combined with all your favourite elements of Christmas – trees, presents and Santa!
Over the 10 days of Christmas, City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place will come alive and Civic will be dressed for the festive season, with street art, decorations, festive lighting, trackless train and a live Christmas tree forest.
See the full packed program of entertainment will get you into the holiday spirit on the website.
Happening 14 – 24 December along City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place in Civic.
See the website for the full line up of events and more information.
OPENING HOURS
- Monday 24 December – 11 am – 4 pm
The Merry Go Round will be open at these times (standard fare applies)
FILM
SUNSET CINEMA
Sink into a beanbag, sip on fine wine…. laugh long and loud.
Sunset Cinema is back at the Botanic Gardens from November til January. Featuring foot-stomping blockbusters, family favourites and VHS classics under the stars.
With full bar facilities and more food than you can poke a fork at, Sunset Cinema is the ultimate way to soak up Summer in Canberra this year.
Feature films include Bohemian Rhapsody, Fantastic Beasts 2 & Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Check the website to see the full program.
Happening until 12 January 2019 at the National Botanic Gardens.
See the website for more information.
The Nutcracker at Event Cinemas
This December Event Village Cinemas will exclusively screen Marius Petipa’s ballet – The Nutcracker.
The magical Christmas adventure and Tchaikovsky’s ravishing score perfectly convey the magic of Clara’s adventure with her enchanted Nutcracker.
Happening Monday 24 December at Event Cinemas, Manuka. Tickets from $18.
For more information visit eventcinemas.com.au
MARKETS
YASS COMMUNITY MARKETS (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Support the local producers and come to the Yass Community Markets. Local wine, jams, sauces and craft items. Oil, baked goods and great coffee or juices. Vegetables and plants too. Home made food, arts and crafts.
It’s a great place to catch up with friends or to take a family and friends, with good weather expect to see the jumping castle and more stalls outside.
The Yass Community Markets have become a fantastic community event every first and third Saturday of the month. Come and have a coffee, relax and enjoy the ambiance and perhaps take in a local vineyard for lunch.
Happening until Saturday 2 February 2019 from 10am-1pm at St Augustines Church, Meehan Street, St Augustines Church. $2 entry. See the website for more information.
SOUTHSIDE FARMERS MARKETS (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Get along to the Southside Farmers Markets every Sunday morning and pick up the finest fruit and vegetables and produce our region has to offer. There are over 50 stalls made up of farmers and producers who sell their food direct from their farm or kitchen. Many farmers are out picking their produce the night before the market and you can certainly taste the difference.
Talk to the farmer direct and find out where your food is being grown, how they grow it, and even how they best like to cook it. Not only do they provide us with fresh food every week but they are a wealth of information on the food that nourishes week in week out.
What’s in season this week? Annual herbs, beans, peas, beetroot, capsicums, carrots, chillies, corn, cucumber, daikon, eggplant, garlic, onion, radishes, rhubarb, squash, zucchini, melons, stonefruit, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, tomatoes and more!
Every Sunday from 8.30am to 11 am at Canberra College, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip. Entry is free, visit the website for more information.
MARKET GARDEN PRODUCE STALL (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Selling fresh, clean, chemical-free vegetables, preserves and baked goods in the Courtyard of 56 Wallace Street, Braidwood every Saturday morning from 8.30am until 12.00 or sold out. Wynlen House is a small urban micro-farm specialising in offering a broad range of seasonal vegetables all year round.
They also run workshops to show people how to grow vegetables, garlic, and raise small farm animals on a large suburban block and offer slow food events to showcase the benefit and deliciousness of produce grown locally, without chemical inputs and picked fresh.
On every Saturday from 8.30am – 12 pm, at The Courtyard, Braidwood. For more information visit the website.
WORKSHOPS, TOURS & TALKS
BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Discover the stories behind the building on a special tour of Parliament House. Learn how the building’s impressive architecture is symbolic of our national identity and gain a rare view into private areas.
These tours run only on non-sitting days (except Christmas Day and when seasonal tours are running). We recommend that you arrive at least 20 minutes before your tour or event for screening and check-in as places are limited to 10 participants. tours operate for 55 mins. For security purposes, all participants must present photo identification and ticket confirmation to join any behind the scenes tours or events. If you do not have these, you will be unable to participate.
Participants on a paid tour can take advantage of a 10% discount on any purchase from The Parliament Shop on the day of the tour.
Happening until March 2019 at Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Capital Hill. See the website for more information.
GUIDED TOURS OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF AUSTRALIA (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Visiting the National Library of Australia? Take a tour and see a side of the Library most visitors never experience. Whether this is your first visit or the next of many, you can learn more about the Library and its exhibitions by joining a free guided tour. Tours are offered by trained Volunteer Guides who have a passion for sharing their knowledge of the Library and its collections. Your Guide will welcome the opportunity to introduce you to the National Library, its collections and the stories of Australia.
Treasures Gallery – Daily at 11.30am Take a tour and come face-to-face with some of the Library’s greatest treasures and Australia’s greatest stories.
Behind The Scenes – Thursdays at 2 pm Take a tour to visit enormous stacks where the books are stored and learn about strange curiosities in the Library’s collection that have been acquired over more than a century of collecting.
Discover your National Library – Saturdays at 2 pm . Join a Library guide for a journey around the building and discover the stories in the Reading Rooms and public spaces.
For more detailed information visit the website.
ART FOR LUNCH (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Drop into 30-minute weekly talks or creative activities interpreting works of art in the NGA’s collection. Check our website for further details. This event is free but bookings are essential.
Happening every Thursday until November 29 2018 from 12.45pm–1.15pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. See the website for more information.
STEPPING FORWARD: COMBINING SOCIAL INTERACTION WITH LIGHT EXERCISE (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
This free group is suitable for women wanting to reconnect socially with other women after domestic violence. The group gets together each fortnight to go for a relaxed 30-minute walk and catch up at a local café. Guest speakers are invited to join providing information about topics of interest in the group. This group is an open group, making it easy for new members to join throughout the term. This group is organised and run by the Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT.
On fortnightly in Tuggeranong on Wednesday mornings and fortnightly in Gungahlin on Friday mornings, during school terms only. Children not yet at school are welcome to attend. Complete the online contact form to register.
SPORT
Freestyle Fridays at Vertikal (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Vertikal is hosting a discounted ski/snowboarding session with cheap acres every Friday afternoon for the rest of the summer including:
- $40 ski/snowboarding session on the slopes
- Cold Jindabyne Brewing beers on tap
- Canberra Distilling Co & Underground Spirits
- Music and amazing indoor snow machines
Happening every Friday until 9 February from 3 pm at Vertikal Indoor Snow Sports, Unit 11, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick.
See Facebook for more information.
OUTDOORS
Image: VisitCanberra
ACT PARKS CRITTERS OF THE EUCALYPT FOREST (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Every Saturday take a short walk with a ranger and learn about the potoroos and other important inhabitants of the Eucalypt Forest and get back in time for “Koalas in the Canopy”. Meet at the koala enclosure in the Eucalypt Forest.
Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required.
Happening until Saturday 16 February 2019 from 2pm-2.45pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River. See the website for more information.
ACT PARKS KOALAS IN THE CANOPY (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Every Saturday you can search for koalas and enjoy a ranger guided walk through the tall eucalypt forest at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Hear a ranger’s story or two about these fascinating marsupials. Meet at the Eucalypt Forest car park.
Normal entry fees to Tidbinbilla apply. No bookings required for Koalas in the Canopy. Happening until Saturday 16 February 2019 from 2.45pm-3.15pm at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River. See the website for more information.
KIDS
Merry + Bright Christmas in Civic
Celebrate the festive season this summer at Merry + Bright with bright vibrant colours, music, entertainment, picnics, movies, trackless train rides, and a dance party combined with all your favourite elements of Christmas – trees, presents and Santa!
Over the 10 days of Christmas, City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place will come alive and Civic will be dressed for the festive season, with street art, decorations, festive lighting, trackless train and a live Christmas tree forest.
See the full packed program of entertainment will get you into the holiday spirit on the website.
Happening 14 – 24 December along City Walk, Petrie Plaza and Garema Place in Civic.
See the website for the full line up of events and more information.
OPENING HOURS
- Monday 24 December – 11 am – 4 pm
The Merry Go Round will be open at these times (standard fare applies)
MathsAlive! (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
MathsAlive!, the one-of-a-kind interactive maths and science exhibit, that has drawn record-breaking crowds in five countries around the world is coming to Canberra in December!
Experience how maths plays a role in our everyday lives through sports, nature, robotics, design, dancing, movie-making and more. Ride in a live-action snowboard race, control a Mars rover, design your own 3-D animation or capture your image in a 360 freeze-motion video.
MathsAlive!, a Raytheon Company initiative consists of dozens of immersive interactive exhibits and is suitable for years 3 – 10.
Free admission.
Happening daily from 9 am – 5 pm (closed 25 December) until 17 March 2019 at East Space, Queen Elizabeth Terrace, Commonwealth Place, Parkes.
More information on the website.
PlayUP (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
After an exciting transformation, the imaginative family space in the Museum of Australian Democracy has all-new hands-on activities to educate, excite and challenge young minds.
This creative exhibition space celebrates the role of children in our community and provides a welcoming environment for families to engage in the rights and responsibilities of children through imagination, discovery, role-play and fun.
Happening every day from 9 am – 5 pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy, King George Terrace, Parkes. Entry costs vary.
Visit the website for more details.
LEAP INTO YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY (See website for opening hours over Christmas period)
Your local library is a treasure trove…not only are there free books and resources, there are regular amazing events! Giggle & Wiggle with your little ones (up to two years) and help them learn through language play using interactive rhymes, songs, games and stories.
Looking to improve your English and make new friends, then head along to your local library for one of the informal English conversation groups. For more events and info check them out here.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Christmas Lights for MS
Visit the Christmas lights for MS displays in Gowrie and donate to MS. A raffle with over $100 worth of prizes will be available during the display.
Happening until Tuesday 25 December at 4 Stacy St and 3 Ruthven St, Gowrie from sunset.
For more information visit ChristmaslightsforMS. Entry is a gold coin donation.
EXHIBITIONS (Make sure to check the websites for opening hours over Christmas period)
Love and Desire NGA John Everett Millais Ophelia 1851-2 oil paint on canvas Tate collection presented by Sir Henry Tate 1894 © Tate.
Love and Desire Pre-Raphaelite Masterpiece from the Tate
Discover a stunning world of Love & Desire as the Tate’s pre-Raphaelite masterpieces come to Australia for this Summer’s most romantic exhibition.
Fall in love with John Everett Millais’ Ophelia and John William Waterhouse’s The Lady of Shalott, as the Tate’s most visited works of art leave the gallery together for the first time.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of brilliant colour, meticulous detail and exquisite layering in paintings inspired by the great love stories of history and literature.
Happening until 28 April 2019 at The National Gallery of Australia, Parkes from 10am.
For more information visit National Gallery of Australia.
ROME: CITY + EMPIRE
Stories of Rome and its vast empire continue to captivate and intrigue people almost 3000 years after their foundation.
Rome: City and Empire brings to Canberra more than 200 of the British Museum’s most engaging and beautiful Roman objects. They tell the story of how Rome grew from a series of small villages to become a mighty empire.
Explore how the empire was won and held, witness the grandeur of Rome and appreciate the rich diversity of its peoples.
Showing until 3 February from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton.
See the website for more information.
COOK AND THE PACIFIC
Visitors to Cook and the Pacific will follow James Cook’s three remarkable Pacific voyages, and explore this spectacular region through the eyes of the British voyagers and the First Nations peoples they met.
The exhibition takes visitors on a journey to the Pacific 250 years ago, with destinations including Tahiti, New Zealand, the east coast of Australia, Hawaii and even Siberia.
With content drawn from around the world, visitors will be enthralled by maps, manuscripts, rare books, large oil paintings, delicate watercolours by voyage artists, medallions, cartoons and poetry.
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.
See the website for more information.
BEAUTY RICH AND RARE
An immersive sound and light experience illuminating the natural beauty of Australia through the eyes of Sir Joseph Banks.
Feel the excitement and wonder of Banks and his team of botanists, scientists, and illustrators as they documented Australia’s unique botanical and animal species, astonishing eighteenth-century Europe.
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm until 10 February 2019 at the National Library of Australia.
See the website for more information.
Bush Mechanics: The Exhibition
The broken-down cars and the ingenious bush mechanics who repair them are back on the road!
Based on the popular television series, Bush Mechanics: The Exhibition is more than a showcase of old cars and clever repairs. It also explores the importance of the car in the outback and provides insights into the life and culture of the Warlpiri people of Central Australia.
Happening until 24 February at the National Museum of Australia, Acton.
For more information visit nma.gov.au
EUROVISIONS: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM THE GOLDBERG COLLECTION
This exhibition at The Canberra Museum and Gallery encompasses a vibrant cross-section of leading tendencies in contemporary European art from the collection of Lisa and Danny Goldberg OAM. Conceptual approaches, innovative thinking and a sense of history inform artists’ practices among the most important and influential today including Anish Kapoor, Urs Fischer, Antony Gormley, Isa Genzken, Katharina Grosse, Ugo Rondinone, and Rachel Whiteread.
Many of the works of art have been produced only in the last five years and are on view publicly for the first time in Australia.
The exhibition is happening until Sunday 24 February. For more information go to CMAG.
All shook up: Snow domes from the collection of Sally Hopman.
Spring is here but snow is still falling at CMAG. View Sally Hopman’s collection of over 500 snow domes, from the classic to the kitsch and everything in between.
Happening until 17 March 2019 from 12 pm – 5 pm daily at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, Canberra. Free entry.
See the website for more information.
After the war exhibition, Australian War Memorial
After the war is a new exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss, and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey of the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018.
Entry is free as always, and this event runs until 11 July 2019. For more information, check out the War Memorial website.
BREAKING THROUGH: 75 YEARS OF WOMEN IN PARLIAMENT
Why did it take so long for women to get elected? And once they were there, what was their experience within the parliament?
To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first women elected to Australian Federal Parliament, Breaking Through exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy explores the journeys of 11 trailblazers who were the first to hold particular parliamentary positions.
These are stories of resilience, perseverance and ground-breaking achievements.
From 1943 when Dorothy Tangney and Enid Lyons were the first women elected to parliament through to today where woman have held the highest positions in all areas of parliament, including Prime Minister.
Breaking Through exhibition, recognises the significant contribution these women made in Australia’s democracy. Look back on their lives, uncover their motivations and what they view as their greatest achievements.
Told through never before seen portraits, each a unique representation by a young artist, and powerful stories of change-makers breaking through, this exhibition will inspire visitors to think about the role of women in parliament, what it took to get there and whether we’ve come far enough.
Showing until 28 August 2019 from 9 am – 5 pm daily at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House.
See the website for more information.
Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures
Audiences around the world know and love Heath Ledger as a charismatic movie star who pushed boundaries and created iconic roles. Now they have a chance to discover Heath’s creative process and deep passion for the film industry and the visual arts, in a unique exhibition curated in collaboration with his family.
Explore a selection of film costumes and props, Heath’s own character research journals, celebrity portraits and acting awards and more. A Life in Pictures offers a rare insight into the man behind the camera. A program of special screenings and talks will complement the exhibition.
Showing until 10 February 2019, National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, Acton. See website for more information.
Democracy. Are you in?
Your voice, your hands and even your feet have the power to be heard. Our freedoms and our way of life have been built on the foundation of democracy. This living system is sustained through the participation of each and all of us. Democracy is sustained by you.
Australian democracy is a work in progress. Curiously, at a time of stability and unparalleled economic growth, confidence in our political and social institutions is at its lowest point in decades. But giving up on them is not the answer. Our democracy needs us. Are you in?
Open every day at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. Find out more at moadoph.gov.au.
After the war exhibition, Australian War Memorial
After the war is a new exhibition exploring the personal stories of hope, loss, and love of ordinary Australians whose lives have been altered by war, from those who have served to loved ones left behind. Take an intimate journey of the personal costs and consequences of war, unfolding over 100 years from 1918 to 2018
Happening until 11 July 2019 at the Australian War Memorial, Treloar Crescent, Campbell
See website for more information
ART + SOUND
A fortnightly series showcasing playlists curated to specific galleries by various personalities. This event is brought to you by NGA and Yamaha.
No bookings required.
Happening until Saturday 2 February 2019 from 1pm-2pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. Free entry.
See the website for more information.
HALL WW1 COMMEMORATIVE EXHIBITION
“When Hall Answered the Call” – Visit the small community of Hall’s School Museum and see their moving exhibition to commemorate the district’s contribution to World War 1 as part of the ANZAC Centenary.
The exhibition features photos, medals, letters, and other memorabilia that tell the story of the boys and men from the district who went off to fight in WW1. Learn about the support provided by their families, the local community and Welcome Home celebrations.
Happening Thursdays until Thursday 21 February 2019 from 10am-1pm at Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall. Free entry.
See the website for more information.
RE-DISCOVERING GINNINDERRA
For half a century during the 1860s, Ginninderra flourished and in its prime boasted a church, two schools, store, Police Station, post & telegraph office, school of arts, nursery, farmers union hall, annual show, sports team and hotel. By 1915 Ginninderra was finished. Find this out and more by visiting the Re-Discovering Ginninderra exhibition.
Happening until Thursday 21 February 2019 at Former Hall Primary School, Victoria Street, Hall. Free entry. See the website for more information.
ARTISTS’ FACES AND PLACES
Peek behind-the-scenes with this fascinating display of portraits of artists and their studios, drawn entirely from the national collection at the National Gallery of Australia. Comprised of artists’ self-portraits, artists’ portraits of other artists, and representations of the places in which they work, the exhibition explores the way artists see themselves, the way they are viewed by their friends and contemporaries, the shared world artists inhabit, and the centrality of the studio to their creative endeavours.
In particular, Roy de Maistre’s Studio Interior 1959, painted the year before his retrospective at the Whitechapel Art Gallery in London, captures the artist’s strong connection to the location of decades of work.
Happening until Monday 31 December at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place East, Parkes. Free entry. See the website for more information.
A TALE OF TWO VILLAGES – AN EXHIBITION
A Tale of Two Villages tells the story of the Hall-Ginninderra district from Aboriginal times, through the early pioneer farming settlement at Palmerville and then Ginninderra, to the establishment of the village of Hall from 1881.
See the website for more information or drop by the Hall School Museum and Heritage Centre, Victoria Street, Hall.
ART DECO
Comprised entirely of works selected from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection, Art Deco presents superb examples of Australian vitalism, capturing Art Deco’s fascination with the meeting of art, architecture, and technology.
In the 1920s, Australian artists rebelled against the austerity of World War I to create images of an abundant nation filled with strong, youthful figures, capturing the vitalism of a nation reborn.
Technological advancements and urbanisation influenced the emergence of Art Deco: a new aesthetic in art, architecture, design and fashion.
Art Deco presents superb examples of Australian Vitalism, including Rayner Hoff’s architectural frieze Deluge – stampede of the lower gods 1927, Jean Broome-Norton’s Abundance 1934 and Napier Waller’s painting, I’ll put a girdle round about the earth 1933, which captures Art Deco’s fascination with the meeting of art, architecture and technology.
Showing until Monday 31 December 2018, 7 days from 10am-5pm at National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place West, Parkes.
For more information, see the website.
EMERGING CONTEMPORARIES
Emerging Contemporaries is the Craft ACT National Award Exhibition for early career artists. This exhibition plays a pivotal role in supporting and transitioning artists into professional practice and placing Australian artists in view of the national cultural collecting institutions, business and industry, and audience.
On display at CraftACT, 180 London Circuit, Level 1, North Building. Email craftact@craftact.org.au or call 6262 9333 for more information.
NGA TALKS AND WORKSHOPS
Talks and workshops cater for a range of different age groups. For full details visit the NGA website.
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