The National Capital Authority (NCA) is to host a program of events from some of Australia’s leading public institutions to celebrate the life and times of the city’s joint founding architect Marion Mahony Griffin whose 150th birthday would have been this month.
The NCA said Marion Mahony Griffin was born in Chicago, USA on 14 February 1871 and became one of the first licensed female architects in the United States and the world.
The Federal Government’s Assistant Minister for Territories, Nola Marino said the celebration initiative would bring together key Cultural Institutions in the Parliamentary Triangle and the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter to celebrate Ms Griffin’s 150th birthday.
“The Magic of Marion program will be celebrated with everyone bringing out their inner Marion and paying tribute to a woman that sketched her way into the history books with her award-winning designs, watercolours, and some of the finest architectural drawings in Australia and America,” Ms Marino said.
She said the program of activities began last week (14 February) and would run until 10 August.
ACT President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Shannon Battisson said Ms Griffin’s architectural designs shaped Australia’s national capital and left an enduring design legacy which could be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
“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,” Ms Battisson said.
The full program of events for The Magic of Marion can be accessed at this PS News link.
