A new program of events to celebrate the life, time and magic of Marion Mahony Griffin, one of the world’s first licensed female architects will be happening in Canberra from Friday 12 February.

Spearheaded by some of Australia’s leading institutions located in the National Capital, The Magic of Marion program will be celebrated with everyone bringing out their inner Marion.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino said the program is “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.”

Born in Chicago, Illinois on 14 February 1871, Marion was one of the first licensed female architects in the USA and the world. Marion produced some of the finest architectural drawings in Australia and America and was also instrumental in the award-winning design plans with her husband Walter Burley Griffin for the design of Australia’s Capital, Canberra.

“Bringing together key cultural institutions in the Parliamentary Triangle and the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Chapter to celebrate Marion Mahony Griffin’s 150th birthday is an exciting and informative initiative. We are thrilled to bring together a program of activities this year, starting from just before her birthday on 14 February 1871 to her death, on 10 August1961,” said Mr Marino.

According to Australian Institute of Architects ACT President, Shannon Battisson, Marion’s architectural designs shaped Australia’s National Capital and left an enduring design legacy which can be enjoyed by residents and visitors to Canberra.

“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 program has been developed with thanks to the program partners, National Capital Authority, Australian Institute of Architects – ACT Chapter, Australian Parliament House, National Archives of Australia, National Film and Sound Archives, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, National Library of Australia, Walter Burley Griffin Society and Visit Canberra.

“It is timely that on the 150th anniversary of Marion Mahony Griffin’s birthday we highlight and celebrate the woman who helped shape Australia’s National Capital into the much-loved city that so many of us now happily call home,” Senator Zed Seselja said. For the full program of events celebrating Magic Marion, visit www.nca.gov.au/marion