FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Park Hyatt Canberra Transforms Historic Howard's Lounge into Gallery Celebrating Australian Art

9 September 2025

Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt Hotel is proud to announce the transformation of its historic Howard's Lounge into a refined exhibition space and gallery showcasing the best of Australian art. In partnership with Canberra Art Gallery, the lounge will host rotating exhibitions each quarter, welcoming both guests and the general public to enjoy world-class works in an elegant, intimate setting.

The first exhibition will open on Thursday, 11 September, featuring the bold and captivating works of Australian contemporary artist Rowdy Warren. This inaugural showcase will set the tone for a dynamic program of exhibitions, further enriching the cultural fabric of Canberra.

The exhibition event commences at 5:30pm and is open for all to attend. The evening will consist of light refreshments and a short in-conversation discussion with the incoming artist.

Art and design are central to the Park Hyatt brand, renowned worldwide for curating refined environments that reflect the spirit of their destinations. The reimagined Howard's Lounge builds on this tradition, offering a home-away-from-home atmosphere that seamlessly blends comfort, sophistication, and cultural engagement.

In addition to the gallery at Howard's Lounge, Park Hyatt Canberra has opened opportunities for celebrated artists to display their works across the hotel, including art installations at The Promenade Café and sculptures in the Palm Courtyard. These initiatives reaffirm the hotel's commitment to being not only a place of hospitality but also a cultural destination and a refined home-away-from-home.

Shane Jolly, General Manager of Park Hyatt Canberra, said: “Our hotel has always been a showcase of elegance and history. By opening our doors as a platform for art, we're deepening our connection to Canberra's creative community and providing an inspiring experience for local, domestic and international visitors alike. We are honoured to begin this journey in collaboration with Canberra Art Gallery featuring Rowdy Warren's powerful work.”

The Howard's Lounge art exhibitions will be refreshed quarterly, ensuring a dynamic and evolving program that continues to delight guests and the community.

Exhibition Launch Event Details:

When: Thursday 11 September 2025

Time: 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Where: Howard's Lounge, Hyatt Hotel Canberra (120 Commonwealth Avenue, Yarralumla)

Reservations: https://www.trybooking.com/DEWDT

Tickets are complimentary; however, reservations are essential as numbers are limited. Ticket include light refreshments.

 -          END - For more information please contact:  Michelle Dyer Acting Marketing and Communications Manager, on michelle.dyer@hyatt.com, Tel: 0409 624 377

About Hyatt Hotel Canberra – A Park Hyatt hotel

Modernity, style, character and comfort.  An unparalleled experience of timeless elegance with a modern twist. ​

​This luxury precinct in the heart of Canberra offers prime access to the cities key tourist icons and hidden gems. Adjacent to Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House, walking distance from primary business and gastronomy sectors, you can engage and retreat from the action as you please. ​

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The hotel boasts 252 recently refurbished guest rooms and suites, generous living areas and work spaces whilst maintaining the signature marble bathrooms. 

​The Hyatt Hotel Canberra offers both business and leisure guests the ideal base to enjoy the capital.

About Canberra Art Gallery

Canberra Art Gallery is the region's destination gallery for fine, contemporary, and First Nations art and sculpture. It opened in May 2025 in response to a shift in the Canberra landscape – a need for a premier venue for the art community.

The gallery connects artists with opportunities, and art fans and collectors with the full range of art services. They hosts in-resident local and national artists and provide everything from retail and art shop sales to framing and delivery.

The gallery is also available as venue hire (private and corporate), and they host quarterly events with a difference. They're bringing the Canberra community together in a laid back and causal environment where people can discover art and connect with new people over local wine and food.

About Rowdy Warren

Rowdy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work embodies bold vision, instinct, and authenticity. Raised in South Australia and based in Adelaide since the 1970s, his creative journey began in childhood when he first picked up a pencil. He rose to prominence through Adelaide's punk scene, designing band posters and launching a streetwear label that honed his skills in design and presentation. A pivotal connection with Indigenous artists deepened his understanding of cultural storytelling and the Australian landscape, shaping a unique visual language. His latest exhibition, Wildflowers, showcases this evolution through vibrant, floral-inspired works that celebrate nature's beauty and resilience.