One of Canberra's most pre-eminent figures, who played a key role in its foundation, will be honoured with a series of events ahead of a major milestone.
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Magic of Marion is a series of events that will celebrate the life of Marion Mahony Griffin, whose 150th birthday is being marked on February 14.
The events, which include a series of talks, lectures and public art displays, will be held between February 12 and March 13.
Born on February 14, 1871, Marion Mahony Griffin was one of the first licensed female architects in the US and produced multiple critically acclaimed designs.
She is perhaps best known for her critical role in helping to produce the award-winning designs for Canberra when the city was first created, alongside her husband Walter Burley Griffin.
Among the events marking her 150th birthday are talks at the National Film and Sound Archives and the National Capital Exhibition this Friday.
Walking tours will be held around Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle on Saturday between 10am and 12pm, held by the Australian Institute of Architects, focusing on Marion Mahony Griffin's work.
Inspired by Marion: Canberra and Women in Design will be held on Sunday between 4pm and 6pm in Bowen Park in Kingston, which will delve into the women who have left an impact on Canberra's landscape.
Leading architectural historian Professor Miles Lewis will also give a talk at the National Archives on February 17.
The Marion Mahony Griffin lecture will be held on March 13 at the National Museum.
Held alongside all of the talks and events include pieces of public art placed along the pavement on the Bridge-to-Bridge walk around Lake Burley Griffin.
That will be in place until August 10, the anniversary of Marion Mahony Griffin's death.
Assistant Regional Development and Territories Minister Nola Marino said the events would honour the legacy of one of Canberra's major figures.
"Marion Mahony Griffin's architectural designs shaped Australia's national capital and left an enduring design legacy which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to Canberra," she said.
"It is fitting that her professional contribution as a trail-blazing architect is celebrated through an extensive program of activities in this, her 150th anniversary."
- The full program for the Magic of Marion can be found at nca.gov.au/marion
Andrew Brown
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
I've been part of the Canberra Times since 2016, after reporting at local papers in Sydney's north-west. Since starting at the paper I've had stints on the Sunday Times, on the early morning breaking news round, and now as a general reporter, covering the ins and outs of anything and everything happening in Canberra, with a focus on health.
