Civic Square, Canberra
Civic Square is a significant cultural and governmental hub, housing key institutions such as the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Civic Library, and Canberra Theatre. It also hosts various cultural organizations, including the Canberra division of the National Trust of Australia. Designed by Yuncken Freeman architects and completed in 1961, Civic Square is positioned along a primary axis in Walter Burley Griffin's design for Canberra, linking City Hill and Mount Ainslie. Griffin envisioned the square as the "heart of the city," a vision that has been realized over the decades.
The Canberra Theatre, a cornerstone of Civic Square, opened its doors in June 1965 with a performance of Swan Lake by the Australian Ballet. The Playhouse, originally built alongside the theatre in 1965, was demolished and rebuilt in 1998, further modernizing the precinct. The connection between the Theatre and Playhouse buildings now includes the Civic Library, as well as the theatre's bar and administrative areas, making it a central point for cultural and social activities in Canberra.
A prominent feature of Civic Square is the "Ethos" sculpture by Tom Bass, commissioned by the National Capital Development Commission in 1959 and unveiled in 1961. This sculpture, which Bass considered his most important civic work, symbolizes the spirit of the Canberra community. The figure is robed in a fabric embossed with emblems representing the community, and it stands on a six-sided saucer that reflects the hexagonal plan of Civic Square. The sculpture's bursting sun represents culture and enlightenment, aligning with Canberra's role as a center of education, research, and diplomacy.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the "Ethos" sculpture was frequently featured in tourism images, underscoring its importance as an emblem of Canberra's identity.
The Canberra Theatre, a cornerstone of Civic Square, opened its doors in June 1965 with a performance of Swan Lake by the Australian Ballet. The Playhouse, originally built alongside the theatre in 1965, was demolished and rebuilt in 1998, further modernizing the precinct. The connection between the Theatre and Playhouse buildings now includes the Civic Library, as well as the theatre's bar and administrative areas, making it a central point for cultural and social activities in Canberra.
A prominent feature of Civic Square is the "Ethos" sculpture by Tom Bass, commissioned by the National Capital Development Commission in 1959 and unveiled in 1961. This sculpture, which Bass considered his most important civic work, symbolizes the spirit of the Canberra community. The figure is robed in a fabric embossed with emblems representing the community, and it stands on a six-sided saucer that reflects the hexagonal plan of Civic Square. The sculpture's bursting sun represents culture and enlightenment, aligning with Canberra's role as a center of education, research, and diplomacy.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the "Ethos" sculpture was frequently featured in tourism images, underscoring its importance as an emblem of Canberra's identity.
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Civic Square on Map
Sight Name: Civic Square
Sight Location: Canberra, Australia (See walking tours in Canberra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Canberra, Australia (See walking tours in Canberra)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Canberra, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Canberra
Creating your own self-guided walk in Canberra is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Canberra Civic Center Walking Tour
Civic Centre, often simply called Civic, lies at the heart of Canberra, Australia's purpose-built capital. This central district is not only a hub for shopping and dining but also a significant cultural and historical site. At its core, lie an array of landmarks that tell the story of the city's past and vibrant present.
Starting with the Australian War Memorial, located at the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Starting with the Australian War Memorial, located at the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Canberra Downtown Walking Tour
Australia鈥檚 capital, Canberra, is jokingly nicknamed the "Bush Capital鈥� for the abundance of forested and natural reserve lands around. What's now the Australian Capital Territory previously has been inhabited by Aboriginal people for more than 20,000 years.
The name "Canberra" originates from the Aboriginal Australian language and means a "meeting place".... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The name "Canberra" originates from the Aboriginal Australian language and means a "meeting place".... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles