5 ways to get cultured in Canberra

Too often overshadowed by the antics of its parliamentarian inhabitants, there’s far more to Canberra than being home to the federal corridors of power.

Canberra has much more to offer than just parliament.

Too often overshadowed by the antics of its parliamentarian inhabitants, there’s far more to Canberra than being home to the federal corridors of power. With its unparalleled mix of galleries, museums and cafes, the nation’s capital is giving the major cities of the Eastern Seaboard a serious run for their money when it comes to culture. Lighting up the city until March 12 is the annual Enlighten festival, which sees projections cast onto iconic buildings, while a literal embarrassment of riches can be experienced at the Versailles exhibition at the National Gallery of Australia until April 17.

Here are five reasons to visit.

1. Versailles: Treasures from the Palace

For the first time ever, 130 gilded treasures have been transferred from historical France to go on display in contemporary Australia. View the exhibition till late on March 10, glass of bubbles in hand; nga.gov.au/Versailles.

Inside the Palace of Versailles. Photo: Jose Ignacio Soto

2. Novotel Canberra

Located in the heart of the city, Novotel Canberra is only a short stroll from the main shopping centre and bustling cafe strip; novotelcanberra.com.au.

The Novotel Canberra.

3. Cockington Green Gardens

The impeccably maintained grounds showcase highly detailed miniature buildings and figurines; cockingtongreen.com.au.

Cockington Green Gardens.

4. NGA Play

If your child tells you they find galleries boring, they clearly haven’t experienced the activities and interactive design of this free haven for mini art lovers; nga.gov.au/ngaplay.

NGA Play.

5. Monster Kitchen and Bar

At once both cool, thanks to it industrially sleek design, and warm, thanks to its featured fireplace, standouts on the menu include cured kingfish and pulled lamb shoulder; monsterkitchen.com.au.

Inside the beautiful Monster Kitchen & Bar.

Originally published as 5 ways to get cultured in Canberra