Heath Ledger: A Life In Pictures
National Film and Sound Archive
10 August 2018 to 10 February 2019

Heath Ledger with Bell & Howell, 70D 16mm motion picture camera, 19 April 2001. Photo: Karin Catt

A true talent and a life cut short, Heath Ledger is a beloved Australian icon whose films continue to entertain and challenge. Best known for films such as The Dark Knight and Brokeback Mountain, his signature smile and commitment to his characters is something that continues to endure. This exhibition is made up of a host of objects from costumes and props, his own character research journals, portraits and awards that tell a story of his life and work. Enjoy a glimpse into Heath’s professional works and personal passions. The collection has been thoughtfully curated in collaboration with his family.

American Masters 1940 – 1980
National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
24 August to 11 November 2018

Jackson Pollock, Blue poles 1952, oil, enamel, aluminium paint, glass on canvas, National Gallery of Australia © Pollock-Krasner Foundation/ARS/Copyright Agency

This Jackson Pollock work Blue Poles was acquired by the NGA is 1973 and was, at the time, the most expensive American painting ever. Adding this to their collection was quite a coup for the gallery and has fuelled a passion for art of this type. This exhibition is pulled together exclusively from the gallery’s collection and features modern works by American artists from the 1940s to 80s. Pieces from artists such as Andy Warhol, Claes Oldenburg, Chuck Close, Donald Judd, Eva Hesse and Louise Bourgeois are on display.

Also, make sure to put the NGA’s next major exhibition in your diary, Love and Desire – Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate is opening 14 December.

So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history
National Portrait Gallery
9 June to 1 October 2018

Dana Bergstorm, Penguin, 2018 By Linde Ivimey

This exhibition features ten Australian female artists and works that centre around the history of our country. Each work was newly created for the exhibition and both the specific subject matter and artistic medium are as diverse as the artists themselves.

Rome: City and Empire
National Museum of Australia
21 September 2018 to 3 February 2019

At one time the Roman Empire was the centre of economic, military and social power. This ancient civilisation continues to enthral us with stories of battles, gladiators and epic religious and mythological tales. Take a journey to ancient Rome with the exhibition featuring more than 200 objects from the British Museum.

Love art and local galleries?

Click the below links to check out upcoming exhibitions at some of our favourite galleries including smaller boutique spaces.

• ANCA Gallery
• ANU School of Art Gallery and Drill Hall
• Beaver Galleries
• Belconnen Arts Centre
• Bilk Gallery
• Canberra Contemporary Art Space
• Canberra Museum and Gallery
• Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre
• M16 Artspace
• Megalo Print Studio and Gallery
• Tuggeranong Arts Centre

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra. Take advantage of our central location in Canberra’s CBD, close to many galleries. Discover our accommodation packages and get in touch.

Feature image: Heath Ledger in the Yellow Kitchen at Jacksue Gallery Perth 1999 @Frances Andrijich

The post Curated Creations: Current and Upcoming Exhibitions appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Experience art in many forms across the end of the year and into 2018 in Canberra. Read more about upcoming exhibitions and start planning your itinerary for your next Canberra getaway.

[book_now title=”Discover Our Packages” href=”https://canberra.crowneplaza.com/canberra-accommodation/accommodation-packages/”]

Songlines: Tracking The Seven Sisters

National Museum of Australia (NMA)
15 September 2017 to 25 February 2018

Step inside the exhibition to realise that you are no longer in Canberra but rather taking a tour through the Australian desert. Experience the stories of Seven Sisters Dreaming through the immersive digital dome and other artworks plus take part in workshops in the recreated art centre.

Getting There: An easy 6 minute drive or a pleasant half an hour walk from the hotel alongside Lake Burley Griffin.

Hyper Real

National Gallery of Australia (NGA)
20 October 2017 to 18 February 2018

An exhibition of celebrity waxworks this is not! Expect to be challenged, amazed and fascinated by the uncanny artwork on display. Not only will there be sculptures that you swear are almost breathing but also virtual reality and digital art.

Also, on three Friday evenings in November experience Hyper Real Nights with live music and entertainment, food and beverage on offer and access to the exhibition.

Getting There: Located on the other side of Lake Burley Griffin from the hotel, take a 40 minute walk or a 10 minute drive.

Book our Hyper Real package and enjoy Canberra CBD hotel accommodation, buffet breakfast for two people and two entry tickets to the Hyper Real exhibition.

Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits

National Portrait Gallery
10 November 2017 to 4 March 2018

Lights! Camera! Still photography? Discover a century of iconic Australian films in a new still medium. In a partnership with the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), the National Portrait Gallery presents striking and beautiful portraiture. This exhibition will feature imagery from film promotional shoots and behind the scenes photography showing the characters that shaped Australian films as well as the actors who tell those stories.

“Audiences will be able to see rare film posters, stunning 1930s scrapbooks of aspiring actors, and original costumes from iconic titles such as Picnic at Hanging Rock, My Brilliant Career, and The Adventures of Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” says Jennifer Coombes, NFSA Curator. “If you love movies, you’ll love Starstruck!”

Bookings available for the 2017-18 Summer Show Starstruck, visit here.

Getting There: The National Portrait Gallery is next door to the NGA and only a six minute drive from the hotel or 35 minute walk.

Book our Starstruck Package and treat yourself to a two night Canberra getaway, complete with daily buffet breakfast for two people, plus two tickets to Starstruck: Australian Movie Portraits.

Dombrovskis: Journeys into the Wild

National Library of Australia
21 September 2017 to 30 January 2018

Peter Dombrovskis is an Australian photographer famous for capturing the wilderness, particularly in Tasmania. This is the most complete collection of his work on display to date and will take the viewer on Dombromvskis’ personal journey.

This exhibition is free and bookings are not required.

Getting There: Also located alongside Lake Burley Griffin, enjoy a 30 minute walk from the hotel or a 5 minute drive.

Love art and local galleries?

Click the below links to check out upcoming exhibitions at some of our favourite galleries including smaller boutique spaces.

• ANCA Gallery
• ANU School of Art Gallery and Drill Hall
• Beaver Galleries
• Belconnen Arts Centre
• Bilk Gallery
• Canberra Contemporary Art Space
• Canberra Museum and Gallery
• Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre
• M16 Artspace
• Megalo Print Studio and Gallery
• Tuggeranong Arts Centre

We look forward to welcoming you to Canberra. Take advantage of our central location in Canberra’s CBD, close to many galleries. Discover our accommodation packages and get in touch.

[book_now title=”Discover Our Packages” href=”https://canberra.crowneplaza.com/canberra-accommodation/accommodation-packages/”]

Image credits: VisitCanberra

The post Something For Every Art Lover appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Ski, Snow and Outdoor Adventure

For a fun winter experience in the heart of the city, Winter Festival will bring open air ice-skating, European style markets, entertainment and more to Canberra from 23 June until 17 July 2016, located within walking distance of Crowne Plaza Canberra.

With its close proximity to the NSW Snowy Mountains, Canberra is the ideal stopover for a trip to the snow. If you’d rather let someone else do the driving, Murrays Canberra Snow Service offers daily coaches to and from the NSW Snowy Mountains in July and August. For the perfect first snow experience, Corin Forest offers tobogganing and snow play only 45 minutes from Canberra’s CBD.

For something different, join an afterDARK – Winter Lantern Tour at the Australian National Botanic Gardens.  On several Saturday nights through winter you will make your own lantern then set off on a guided night tour, followed by supper and toasted marshmallows.

School Holidays

There are lots of family activities in Canberra on offer for the July school holidays. The National Portrait Gallery has a special program of events including Family Space: I.D. Identifying Self, with all day screenings and activities inspired by the National Portrait Gallery’s collection for families to enjoy together. Portrait Play offers children aged 4 to 8 the opportunity to explore portrait through drawing and creative activity in the galleries.

The Happy Birthday Play School: Celebrating 50 Years exhibition is showing at the National Museum of Australia until 24 July 2016. You’ll find those favourite characters including Big Ted, Little Ted, Humpty and Jemima – plus the Rocket Clock and all the windows. The Spiders Exhibition on show at Questacon until 9 October 2016 allows visitors to explore the vast and fascinating world of spiders.

Art, Culture and History

Art, culture and history enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice during winter, with a number of exhibitions and events in Canberra.  Tough and Tender is an exhibition being held at the National Portrait Gallery from 15 July until 16 October 2016, featuring photographs by a group of American and Australian artists from the 1960s to now, exploring the complexities of personal relations and individual expression. Fiona Hall’s exhibition Wrong Way Time, direct from the 2015 Venice Biennale, is being hosted by the National Gallery of Australia until 10 July 2016.

Reality in flames: modern Australian art and the Second World War is showing at the Australian War Memorial until 7 September 2016.  This exhibition explores the creative response of Australian modernist artists to the Second World War. Behind the Lines 2015: The year’s best political cartoons displays 80 cartoons from 39 cartoonists at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, celebrating the role of political cartoonists in Australia.

Food and Wine

There is also a range of experiences on offer in Canberra for lovers of good food and wine. The Truffle Festival Canberra Region runs from June until August with a range of events to choose from, including degustation dinners, truffle hunts, cooking classes, truffle and wine tastings and more. The World Curry Festival is being held in Canberra’s CBD on the weekend of 8 to 10 July 2016, showcasing authentic flavours, along with cultural performances and market stalls.  Or stay in and enjoy a warming and nourishing meal from the new winter menu at Redsalt Restaurant at Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Market Shopping

If you would like to do some shopping during your visit to Canberra, try one of the local markets for something unique. The Old Bus Depot Markets have been running for 22 years and are held every Sunday in Kingston. The Winter Glass Market, a celebration of glass, will be held on 18 June 2016 at the Canberra Glassworks. The Handmade Market, which features only Australian made and designed products, will be held over the June long weekend and offers unique items with a chance to chat to the makers as you browse the 220 plus stalls.

Stay With Us

With so much to see and do in Canberra you’ll be able to do as much or as little as you like. Crowne Plaza Canberra’s location in the heart of Canberra’s CBD means you will be within easy walking distance to Canberra Centre where shopping, bars and restaurants are easily accessible, and local attractions are just a few minutes drive away. The hotel offers a secure car park on site, making travel even easier.

Winter Savings – Up to 30% Off!

For a limited time only, book your accommodation in Canberra and save up to 30% off our advance purchase rate. Rates begin at $126* per night, and are available for stays until 31 August 2016. Click here for more information and to book.

Please note: some activities may attract a fee and/or require bookings.  There may also be special conditions associated with some activities. Please check the websites or speak with our Concierge team for more information. 

Images: Cover page: Tobogganing at Corin Forest © VisitCanberra; this page: Ice Skating in the City © CBD Canberra Ltd

The post Winter 2016 in Canberra appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.

Sideshow Alley – Infamy, the Macabre & The Portrait at the National Portrait Gallery.

For those with a curious mind, or those who appreciate the intrigue of criminal cases and conspiracies, the National Portrait Gallery’s ‘Sideshow Alley – Infamy, the Macabre & The Portrait’ exhibition is sure to be up your ‘alley’.

Featuring a spooky and sometimes disquieting selection of portraits, including paintings, sculpture and photography that depict ‘true crime, scandal and sensation’, this exhibition combines biography and the art of portraiture to shine a light on Australia’s more infamous history.

Exhibition details: 

5 Dec 2015 –  28 Feb 2016

Book to see this amazing exhibition between 14 December 2015 to 29 February 2016 and enjoy breakfast and accommodation with Crowne Plaza Canberra. Our Sideshow Alley package starts from $185* AUD per night and includes:

• Overnight accommodation for two
• Breakfast for two
• Two adult tickets to The National Portrait Gallery’s ‘Sideshow Alley – Infamy, the Macabre & The Portrait’

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*Clicking the BOOK NOW button above will direct you to the Crowne Plaza Canberra booking portal. Your Sideshow Alley package will be pre-populated once you have entered your dates of stay.

Tom Roberts at the National Gallery of Australia.

Be enchanted by masterpieces from one of Australia’s most beloved artists, Tom Roberts, as his works go on display at the National Gallery of Australia until 28^th March 2016.

This stunning exhibition showcases the breadth of Roberts’ work, from beautiful landscapes to mesmerising portraits, each capturing a snapshot of life in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Don’t miss your chance to see firsthand the work of one of Australia’s greatest painters.

Exhibition details:

4 Dec 2015 – 28 March 2016

10am – 5pm every day (except Christmas day)

Tickets available at the Gallery and through Ticketek.

$20 adults, $15 NGA members, $17.50 concession/student

The post Explore arts and culture this summer. appeared first on Crowne Plaza Canberra.