HOTEL PROGRAMME
GENERAL MANAGER'S NOTE
Welcome to Capella Sydney
Thank you for choosing to stay with us as your destination of choice We are delighted to have you in residence to begin your amazing journey, and discover special moments through connection with our Capella Culturists From unearthing historical curiosity, experiencing the local neighbourhood, to exploring Sydney harbour, the team are ready to present the unexpected
We look forward to curating an array of unrivalled and memorable experiences for you at Capella Sydney Have a most wonderful stay
Best regards,
Marc von Arnim General Manager
Capella Sydney acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands now known as New South Wales
We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and to the continuing strength and resilience of First Nations people and cultures
Curator’s Note
Capella Sydney is proud to partner with Sydney Contemporary, Australasia’s premier art fair and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, offering our guests exclusive access to an unparalleled showcase of contemporary art from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and beyond
We welcome award winning Fibre Artist Catriona Pollard to Capella Sydney for our Artist In Residence program The program will respond to Capella Sydney’s architecture and interior palette, inviting guests into a dialogue between light, shadow, and form
Spring is upon us signalling the promise of renewal, growth and rejuvenation Our September programming celebrates the arrival of Spring with an invitation to explore our iconic Botanic Gardens of Sydney You’ll experience the Gardens at their very finest
In late September, we invite you to join us for a culturist led experience to the very first Australian Native Food Festival at Carriageworks celebrating Indigenous culture, knowledge, and native ingredients
This month our Little Stars programming explores different mediums of art Using recycled materials, we will design our very own chair and we’ll also explore the shapes and forms of sculpture Let’s get creative!
Allow us to curate a lifetime of memories during your stay with us and discover why Capella Sydney embodies excellence in the craft of hospitality
Natalie Louw Lead Curator
CAPELLA RITUALS
Daily Rituals are designed to create unique moments for guests Where exceptional moments unfold at every turn
We celebrate our site's vibrant past through cultural links, storytelling and incredible insight
CAPELLA RITUAL
THE
AFTERNOON SWILL
In 1916 laws in New South Wales required that public hotels (pubs as they are now known) close at 6pm, which was in part, a wartime austerity measure
As the working day ended, patrons, would descend on the public houses where they enjoyed lively banter and a refreshing beverage before the clock struck at 6pm, ushering in the austerity closing From this daily ritual the term the ‘six o ’clock swill’ was coined
The 'six o ’clock swill’ remained seared in the Australian cultural narrative until the law was abolished in 1955, however it became a permanent ritual of sorts, where today crowds of workers and locals from city to suburb can still be seen imbibing at their local bar of choice
We invite you to join us in The Living Room for convivial conversation, to linger awhile and enjoy the company of those around you before the evening ahead
Replete with our signature cocktail
Exclusive to Guests In-Residence 16:30 until 17:30 each day The Living Room
CAPELLA MOMENTS
Our Capella Culturists have spent time scouring Sydney, leaving no leaf unturned in our mission to provide you with world-class experiences
We seek, through knowledge, empathy and respect for Sydney's history and tradition, to create ‘Capella Moments’ Working alongside local experts, we have curated a selection of experiences designed to become lifelong memories
Our experiences may be cancelled in the event of inclement weather
For reservations please contact your Capella Culturists
CAPELLA MOMENTS VITALITY WALK
As the city awakens for the day join our Culturists, for an invigorating and brisk 3-5km walk
Enjoy the stillness of the morning light and watch the harbour come alive
Each Wednesday in September at 08:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS
CULTURIST HOTEL TOUR
Explore the stories of our site's unique heritageits history, architecture and interiors
Discover the art works commissioned by Capella Sydney that reflect on this heritage It’s a journey of discovery led by one of our expert Culturists
Each Thursday in September at 10:30 until 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS
GEORGE MCRAE THE ARCHITECT
The impressive Edwardian-Baroque architecture that informs the Department of Education was designed by George McRae and completed in 1912 This exceptional and significant architecture is now home to Capella Sydney
George McRae migrated from Edinburgh to Sydney, where he became the distinguished Government Architect of New South Wales The elaborate Romanesque architecture of the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) was also designed by George McRae and dates back to 1898
Your tour will uncover the QVB’s mercurial history and explore its iconic architecture
Our Culturist will escort you to the QVB where the tour will commence
The tour concludes at the QVB
Friday 29 August at 10:00 until 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS SYDNEY HISTORY
Explore Sydney’s beginnings as Journey Walk’s expert guide Max Burns McRuvie unpacks its colorful convict heritage in the historic Rocks precinct and the Quay
Capella Sydney and Journey Walks invite you to share a part in this remarkable story
It’s a History walking tour like no other Saturday 30 August at 10:00 - 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS
BOTANIC GARDENS OF SYDNEY
The Botanic Gardens of Sydney is Australia’s oldest botanic garden located in the very heart of Sydney overlooking Sydney’s iconic harbour
Explore the Garden and its remarkable history, botany and wildlife on a 1 5 hour guided walk
You’ll discover the rich heritage and plant diversity of the Botanic Gardens nestled on Sydney’s beautiful harbour
Our Culturist team will escort you to the Botanic Gardens and introduce you to your expert guide The tour concludes at the Gardens
Saturday 06 September at 10:00 - 12:00
Saturday 20 September at 10:00 - 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS ARCHITECTURE WALK
Delivered in an informal and conversational manner, our architect led experience is an exercise in story-telling that offers an interface between in-depth architectural knowledge and the wider design-conscious community
The tour is historically informed, the context contemporary Driven by particular themes and threads the city will be decoded whilst exposing you to new ways of thinking about and seeing Sydney
Friday 12 September at 10:00 until 12:00
Friday 26 September at 10:00 until 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS
SYDNEY CONTEMPORARY ART TOUR
Join Michelle Chanique, art educator, public program creator, and collaborator for a tour of Sydney Contemporary
Capella Sydney is proud to partner with Sydney Contemporary, Australasia’s premier art fair and a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, offering our guests exclusive access to an unparalleled showcase of contemporary art from Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and beyond
With years of experience in the commercial gallery sector, Michelle stays at the forefront of Sydney's contemporary art scene Michelle fosters a deeper audience connection with the art world sparking curiosity, conversation, and connection
Friday 12 September at 10:00 - 13:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
Come For The Art
CAPELLA MOMENTS
OUR STORIED NEIGHBOURHOOD
Capella Sydney is a heritage landmark in the heart of historic sandstone precinct which was central to the dramatic evolution of the city Join us for a fascinating walk of Sydney stories - many of them little-known, even by Sydney locals
We will examine architecture, monuments and gardens
Saturday 13 September at 10:30 until 12:30
Saturday 27 September at 10:30 until 12:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CATRIONA POLLARD
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
As an award winning contemporary fibre artist, Catriona Pollard’s practice explores the transformation of natural and reclaimed materials into contemplative sculptural forms
Rooted in sustainability and slow craft, Catriona’s work speaks to the quiet elegance of the natural world its resilience, complexity, and beauty
Through traditional weaving techniques, Catriona works with foraged plant fibres and recycled metals to create intricate, organic structures that reflect both environmental and emotional landscapes
A Sustainable Dialogue
WOVEN RESONANCE
During our Artist-in-Residence series, Catriona will create a site-responsive artwork titled Woven Resonance
This sculptural piece will draw directly from the local environment its textures, forms, and rhythms and echo Capella Sydney’s deep commitment to refined heritage, environmental mindfulness, and immersive experience
Woven Resonance will explore the interconnectedness between human presence and the natural world Using ethically foraged native vines and recycled wire such as decommissioned power lines, the work will embody a story of renewal, where the discarded and ephemeral are transformed into something enduring and beautiful
This piece will respond to Capella Sydney’s architecture and interior palette, inviting viewers into a subtle sensory dialogue between light, shadow, and form
Join Catriona in The Living Room as she creates Woven Resonance
Friday 12 September at 10:00 -12:00
Saturday 13 September at 10:00 - 12:00
CAPELLA MOMENTS
WEAVING THE WILD
Join award-winning fibre artist, Catriona Pollard, in this hands-on workshop inspired by the intricate and instinctual architecture of bird nests
We explore the random weave technique using foraged Lomandra, a native Australian plant that is both flexible and strong
Grounded in sustainability the workshop offers a tactile, creative experience that honours the natural world and celebrates the energy of spring
Saturday 13 September 2025 at 14:00 -15:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
Random Weave Workshop
CAPELLA MOMENTS CARRIAGEWORKS MARKET
Experience the essence of Sydney’s culinary scene at the weekly Carriageworks Farmers Market, a beloved institution showcasing the freshest seasonal produce and artisanal delights from local growers and producers across NSW
The inaugural Australian Native Food Festival celebrating Indigenous culture, knowledge, and culinary tales place in September alongside the Carriageworks Farmers Market Experience the rich heritage and bold flavours of native ingredients with a vibrant line-up of market stalls This is a celebration of sustainability, and the tradition of storytelling through food and botanicals
Curated by acclaimed chef Mike McEnearney, the Carriageworks Farmers Market follows a strict Market Charter to ensure quality and uphold its connection to growers and producers
Saturday 27 September from 08:00 until 10:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
AURIGA SPA WELLNESS
Your path to rejuvenation starts at Auriga Spa World-class wellness nestled among decades of architectural history
AURIGA SPA
COLD PLUNGE
Whether you seek rebalancing, vitality or an aesthetic revival, Auriga Spa offers a range of bespoke treatments using time-tested and cutting-edge contemporary practices
The Sydney Marathon forms part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors and will be welcoming runners from around the world to Sydney on Sunday the 31 of August 2025 st
Experience the transformative benefits of cold therapy at Auriga Spa during the Sydney Marathon Festival Your path to rejuvenation starts at Auriga Spa
Exclusively from Thursday 28 August until Thursday 4 September 2025
Reservations are required
AURIGA SPA FLUIDFORM
In-house guests can also access exclusive Fluidform at Home workouts, ideal for guests looking to maintain their wellness regimen while travelling
At Capella Sydney, we ’ re dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for guests of all ages
From special in-room amenities, to hands-on workshops and seasonal activities, your Little Stars will be treated to one-of-a-kind experiences
Parents must be present for all Little Stars programs
LITTLE STARS DOODLING
Your Little Stars are sure to enjoy some colouring in with our reusable and sustainable mats
Designed for hours of creative fun
Each Sunday 10:00 - 11:00
No Reservation required
LITTLE STARS
WHALE OF A TIME
Did you know that the term Collage is derived from the French verb coller, meaning "to glue" It refers to both the technique and the artwork in which materials are arranged and glued
Using upcycled materials Little Stars will create a beautiful and colourful whale collage
Saturday 30 August at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
LITTLE STARS ABSTRACT FUN
Ellsworth Kelly was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker associated with color field painting and minimalism His works demonstrate unassuming techniques emphasizing line, color and form, developed his characteristic style of simple, bold colour shapes
Kelly participated in a number of important group exhibitions, including American Abstract Expressionists and Imagists at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in 1961, and the Geometric Abstraction in America at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1962
Choosing random squares of coloured paper, Little Stars will arrange the squares onto a grid using the element of chance to create their very own Ellsworth Kelly artwork
Where will you hang your artwork?
Saturday 06 September at 10:00 until 11:00 Saturday 13 September at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
LITTLE STARS DESIGN A CHAIR
Little Stars will create a model of their chair using recycled and upcycled materials Let's experiment with different materials and see where our creativity takes us!
What will your chair look like? What function will it have?
Saturday 20 September at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
LITTLE STARS SHAPING SCULPTURES
Sculptures come in all shapes and sizes
They can be made from many different types of materials
Using air dry clay we will create sculptures of all shapes and sizes
It just takes a little imagination!
Saturday 27 September at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CURATE
CAPELLA CURATES
Whether it's exploring Sydney’s iconic landmarks, delving into our city’s vibrant arts scene or learning 65,000 year of history, our curated experiences will showcase the city's rich tapestry of culture
Unearth the essence of Sydney with our tailored Capella Curates experiences
Curate a lifetime of memories at Capella Sydney
HARBOUR CURATES
Unforgettable Memories
ICONIC
We take pride in curating unique experiences punctuated with unforgettable moments that will delight and enrich for years to come
From intimate half day charters to a full day of luxurious sailing, create a lifetime of memories on Sydney’s iconic harbour Bask in the memories of a truly unforgettable experience
Curate your world-class harbour experience with Capella Sydney's expert Culturists
Let The Winds Carry You
HISTORY CURATES
Our Layered History
LEARN
Honouring the culture and history of the Indigenous Australian people of the Eora Country (Sydney) we invite you to learn 65,000 years of history
It’s a deeply immersive exploration and heartfelt acknowledgement of the timeless traditions and spiritual connections that define the essence of Australia's indigenous heritage
Curate a journey of discovery and insight
65,000 Years Of History
With a deep appreciation for local history and heritage, we have handpicked a collection of experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your stay
HISTORIC ROCKS
Explore the story of Australia’s most historic precinct
It’s a walking history tour like no other
SYDNEY’S HISTORY
Discover the incredible story behind Sydney’s original settlement
Led by an expert local historian
ARCHITECTURE CURATES
EXPLORE
Delve into the architectural narratives that reveal the stories of Sydney through a historic lens and a contemporary context
Led by an award-winning Sydney architect the patterns and forces that shape our city are revealed We explore contemporary Sydney whilst discussing the underlying cultural forces that give the city form
Experience our visionary curation
Sydney In Context
UTZON
Providing an in-depth and textured portrait of enigmatic Danish architect Jorn Utzon as well as the story of perhaps the 20th Centuries most ambitious architectural project, this tour will draw you in to the amazing visionary world of the architect of the Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House
