Spend a Weekend with Emily Kam Kngwarray - An Art Lover's Itinerary
Art lovers! Welcome to Canberra, where art and culture make up a vital part of the local culture. In official partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, we’re providing a unique experience commemorating the artistry of Emily Kam Kngwarray.
As one of Australia’s most significant First Nation’s artists, Emily Kam Kngwarray brings a unique perspective on Indigenous art, drawing from her cultural roots and her experience working with batik. To ensure your stay is as seamless as can be, we’ve put together a three-day itinerary for those looking to take advantage of this incredible offer.
Friday
Afternoon
Arrive in Canberra and check in to Deco Hotel from 2 pm. Take advantage of our free parking and wifi upon your arrival and enjoy a relaxing afternoon settling into your home away from home. Before heading back out, our luxurious amenities and makeup mirrors are there to help you get pampered and prepared for a night out. Meanwhile, help yourself to the mini bar for a delicious drink to start the occasion!
Evening
Visit Canberra’s premier dining destination, Restaurant Two14 for a stylish, yet casual dinner option. The dinner menu is diverse and captures the essence of Italian cuisine, with a local twist. If you make it between 4 pm and 6 pm, you can enjoy Social Hour at the bar and try one of their many cocktails, wines, and beers.
Head back to the hotel for a good night’s rest before a massive day of art exploration!
Saturday
Morning
Rise and shine with the buffet breakfast at Deco Hotel, from just $28 per person. The full buffet includes everything from fresh juices and seasonal fruits to yogurts and cereals, and bacon and eggs. Pre-book before 11 pm with reception to secure the lowest possible price, and experience the delicious food anytime from 7 am to 10:30 am.
If you have children, now is the perfect time to make your way to the National Gallery of Australia and enjoy the free Art Cart: Leaf Game inspired by the Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition, designed to help kids learn through stories and creative activities. Open from 10 am to 2 pm in the exhibition foyer.
Afternoon
Once the kids have got their play fix in, it’s time to enter the exhibition. Join a free one-hour guided tour with the National Gallery of Australia’s friendly volunteer guides. Bookings are recommended, as tours have a maximum capacity of 15 people.
The Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition celebrates the timeless art of a pre-eminent Australian and is a part of the National Gallery of Australia’s Know My Name initiative, showcasing the work of female artists and their contributions to Australia’s rich cultural life.
Evening
To cap off an exciting day of immersement in culture, stop by Marble & Grain on Mort Street and taste the delectable food offerings of Head Chef, Ziaul Alam Moshi. Marble & Grain aims to use locally-sourced produce including beef, venison and lamb grown in the Canberra region, so this stop is the perfect way to cap off an incredible day in Canberra’s CBD.
After that, retire back to Deco Hotel and enjoy an on-demand movie from the comfort of your suite.
Image source: National Gallery of Australia front entrance and installation view of Neil Dawson, Diamonds, 2002, commissioned 2002, purchased with the assistance of ActewAGL 2002 and Thanakupi (Thancoupie Gloria Fletcher AO), Dhaynagwidh/Thaynakwith people, Eran, 2010, acquired through the Founding Donors' Fund 2010. © the estate of the artist, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd.
Sunday
Morning
Wake up and enjoy a slow Sunday morning with breakfast delivered to your room from Restaurant Two14.
After breakfast, head back out and stop by the National Portrait Gallery and experience a gallery full of award-winning artworks, reflecting the face of Australia and housing portraits of people of interest in Australian history. It’s truly a gem not to be missed on the art-lovers tour of this beautiful city.
Bonus Tip: Secure a late check-out when booking to ensure that your Sunday morning is as relaxed as can be!
Afternoon
If you’ve got time after the National Portrait Gallery, one last stop worth visiting during your stay is the Drill Hall Gallery. As a part of the Australian National University, the Drill Hall Gallery showcases contemporary artists, curators and collectors. Developed in conjunction with the university, the Drill Hall Gallery plays permanent host to Sidney Nolan’s 9-panel panorama, Riverbend, which was recently nominated among the ten must-see art treasures of the city.
As your art-filled weekend draws to a close, let the echoes of Emily Kam Kngwarray’s art, the flavours of local cuisine and the warmth of Deco Hotel linger as life-lasting memories. Not just a journey through galleries, but a celebration of the diverse and rich culture of Canberra’s beautiful CBD.
To learn more about our partnership and to book your Emily Kam Kngwarray exhibition experience, visit our website now. Offer valid now until Sunday 28 April 2024.
