NGA Exhibitions: Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country and Arthur Boyd: Tapestries

Stay at Mercure Canberra and Discover Two Extraordinary Art Experiences

Make the most of your Canberra getaway with a visit to the National Gallery of Australia, home to two remarkable exhibitions currently captivating visitors. Just a short drive from Mercure Canberra, these exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Australian art, culture and storytelling.

Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country

11 April – 23 August 2026
National Gallery of Australia | Free Exhibition

Experience the power, scale and cultural significance of Ngura Puḻka – Epic Country, an artist-led exhibition showcasing major works by senior First Nations artists and collectives from the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, Coober Pedy and Tarntanya (Adelaide).

Featuring monumental paintings that celebrate Country and share powerful Tjukurpa (Aṉangu cultural stories and law), this landmark exhibition brings together large-scale works rich in colour, meaning and connection to place. Visitors will discover stories that have been passed through generations, expressed through some of Australia’s most significant contemporary Indigenous art.

Why visit?

  • View extraordinarily large-format artworks created by leading APY artists and collectives.
  • Gain deeper insight into the cultural connections between art, Country and community.
  • Enjoy one of the National Gallery’s most ambitious First Nations exhibitions.

Arthur Boyd: Tapestries

20 June – 18 October 2026
National Gallery of Australia

For the first time ever, all 20 of Arthur Boyd’s monumental Life of St Francis tapestries are being displayed together in a world-first exhibition. Created between 1970 and 1974 in collaboration with Portugal’s renowned Manufactura de Tapeçarias de Portalegre, these remarkable works reveal a lesser-known chapter of one of Australia’s most celebrated artists.

Each tapestry measures approximately 2.5 × 3.4 metres and showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship required to transform Boyd’s original drawings and pastels into immersive woven masterpieces. The exhibition also presents preparatory works, offering visitors a fascinating look into Boyd’s creative process.

Why visit?

  • See the complete series of 20 monumental tapestries displayed together for the first time.
  • Explore a unique blend of fine art and traditional textile craftsmanship.
  • Discover one of Australia’s most significant artistic legacies from a fresh perspective.

Stay Close to Canberra’s Cultural Attractions

Mercure Canberra is the perfect base for exploring the nation’s capital. After a day at the National Gallery, return to the comfort of our heritage-listed hotel and enjoy easy access to Canberra’s leading attractions, dining precincts and cultural landmarks.

BOOK NOW or visit our Special Offers Page and plan your Canberra stay today and experience these unforgettable exhibitions while they’re on show.