Discover Marion Mahony Griffin—trailblazing architect, artist and early Frank Lloyd Wright collaborator who revolutionized architectural drawing and co-designed Australia's capital, Canberra.

Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the most celebrated names in Modern architecture, but less widely known is Marion Mahony Griffin—the pioneering architect, artist and visionary whose talent played a formative role in Wright's early work and legacy.

Among the world's first licensed female architects, Mahony Griffin was one of the most gifted architectural artists of her generation. Wright's first employee and important early collaborator, Mahony Griffin created exquisite, Japanese print-influenced watercolor and pen-and-ink renderings that revolutionized architectural drawing and helped define the visual identity of the Prairie School. Her drawings graced the pages of Wright's famous 1910 Wasmuth Portfolio, the publication that introduced his work to Europe and shaped the course of Modern architecture worldwide. Combining architecture and landscape with extraordinary artistic sensibility, her drawings became works of art in their own right—yet her achievements extended far beyond Wright's studio.

Her dynamic creative partnership with husband and fellow architect Walter Burley Griffin produced an extraordinary body of work spanning architecture, interiors, landscape and urban planning—including a stunning, against-all-odds win in the international competition to design Australia's new national capital, Canberra, carrying their progressive ideas about Modern living from America to Australia and later India.

Join Annalisa Capurro, designer, architectural historian and Modernism Week Board Member, for an inspiring exploration of Marion Mahony Griffin's extraordinary life. Through exquisite drawings, historic photographs and fascinating stories, discover the trailblazing, still little-known architect and artist, whose vision shaped the Modern movement on three continents.

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Photo Credits: Burley Griffin Foundation, Marion Mahony Griffin, Capitol Theatre Trust, RMIT

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash No pets, service animals permitted
  • Are food and drinks permitted?Food and drink No outside food or drinks
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Seated activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Parking & handicap parking available
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Wheelchair accessible
The organizer of this event is: Modernism Week Annenberg Theater Activity

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