Opening Friday 11 February 2022

Architect, designer, idealist, trailblazer. Marion Mahony Griffin has often been overshadowed by her famous collaborators, Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin. National Archives of Australia’s new exhibition, Marion: the other Griffin, reveals and celebrates the life and achievements of this extraordinary woman.

From Chicago to Canberra to Lucknow, Marion’s remarkable career and designs are revealed in Marion: the other Griffin. Undoubtably, the ‘jewels’ of the exhibition are the winning original plans for the design of Australia’s national capital, Canberra, submitted by Marion Mahony and Walter Burley Griffin in 1912.

These historically significant watercolour drawings, held in the national archival collection, are rarely brought out for public display, ensuring their preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Over a century old, these delicate yet extraordinary pieces of Australia’s memory will be on show for a limited time only, from 11 February to 8 May 2022.

Acting Director-General Steven Fox said: ‘This landmark exhibition is an opportunity for National Archives to once again display these iconic works. We are proud to tell the story of Marion Mahony Griffins legacy, in Canberra as well as nationally and internationally.’

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public programs, including guided tours, talks and children’s holiday programs. Details and bookings will be made available on National Archives’ website, naa.gov.au.

Marion: the other Griffin will be on display at National Archives of Australia, Kings Avenue, Canberra, from 11 February to 8 May 2022. Admission is free.