Art lovers get ready to head to Canberra! This autumn, a host of immersive and interesting exhibitions are opening across galleries and museums throughout the city. Here are some of our favourites.

Cartier: The Exhibition
National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
30 March to 22 July 2018

The NGA brings exquisite Cartier jewellery, timepieces and precious objects to Australia for Cartier: The Exhibition. Be dazzled by more than 300 design masterpieces, charting the rise of the prestigious jewellery house throughout the 20^th century. Cartier: The Exhibition offers a glimpse into the intimate world of Cartier’s famous international clientele from Hollywood superstars to royalty, revealing fascinating stories about the history of the stunning jewellery and the inimitable icons of style associated with them. Exclusive to Canberra, Cartier: The Exhibition is not to be missed.

Image: Naomi Watts wears Cartier Magicien Collection necklace and earrings, Cartier Royal Collection ring and Panthère de Cartier clutch bag with Preen dress and Aquazzura shoes. (Photo by Cole Bennetts/Getty Images)

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018
National Portrait Gallery
24 March to 17 June 2018

This annual event is one of the highlights of the National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition calendar. Each year, Australian portraiture photographers present their best work. The 2018 winner is Lee Grant with her portrait of Charlie, a young man living in social housing in Canberra. Highly Commended went to Filomena Rizzo’s My Olivia and Art Handlers’ Award went to Stephanie Simcox’s Joey. But there is still time for you to be involved! The People’s Choice Award is your chance to vote for your favourite photograph plus win some great prizes, including an accommodation package at Crowne Plaza Canberra valued at $2,000. Voting is open until the 4^th of June. Click here to vote.   

The Art of Science
National Museum of Australia
30 March to 24 June 2018

Take a trip back to 1800 and Nicolas Baudin’s expedition from France to Australia to map the coastline of what was then called New Holland. The exhibition showcases illustrations of nature and local people and rare documents and maps.

1968: Changing Time
National Library of Australia
1 March to 12 August 2018

Now start travelling back towards the present day, but pause at 1968. This was the year the National Library’s building opened, so to celebrate 50 years, visit this exhibition and relive what was making headlines and changing the world.

Celebration: 20 years of collecting visual art at CMAG
Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG)
24 March to 14 June 2018

CMAG is also celebrating an anniversary and this exhibition is a tribute to 20 years of visual art. Focusing particularly on how art has influenced the local area of Canberra and its surrounds, the exhibition ranges from painting to sculpture to jewellery.

Start planning a getaway throughout autumn to visit these great exhibitions before they close. View our accommodation packages here including the Cartier: The Exhibition package which includes breakfast and tickets.