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.
Mural 2022 By Otis Hope Carey
Otis Hope Carey, is a proud Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung Man
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
The Afternoon Swill – Exclusively for In-House Guests 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 wet weather
For reservations please contact your Capella Culturists
CAPELLA MOMENTS ART DISCOVERY
Discover the art collection of Capella Sydney and the public sculpture in its neighbourhood
Fiona McIntosh is an art advisor and tour leader with an extensive knowledge of the Australian visual arts scene and has a deep understanding of contemporary art practices
Thursday 24 April at 10:30 until 12:00
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 team will escort you to the QVB where the tour will commence. The tour concludes at the QVB
Friday 02 May at 10:00 until 11:30
Friday 30 May at 10:00 until 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
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
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 26 April from 08:00 until 10:00
Saturday 03 May from 08:00 until 10:00
Saturday 24 May from 08:00 until 10:00
Saturday 31 May from 08:00 until 10:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS ARCHITECTURE WALK
Capella has teamed up with architect Eoghan Lewis, founder of the Sydney Architecture Walks and award-winning practice Eoghan Lewis Architects
Delivered in an informal and conversational manner, the tour is historically informed and the context contemporary It will expose you to new ways of thinking about and seeing Sydney
Friday 09 May at 10:00 until 12:00 Friday 23 May at 10:00 until 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS TWO ICONS TOUR
Join history and heritage specialist Mark Bowyer, founder of Old Compass Travel for a fascinating walk that celebrates Sydney’s visual grandeur through its two best known icons
A tour that uncovers the city’s past and character by taking a close look at its most celebrated icons – the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge
During your guided tour we will uncover the complexity of Sydney’s past and present – a visual celebration in parallel with a dive into some of Sydney’s biggest stories
Saturday 10 May at 10:00 until 11:30
Saturday 17 May at 10:00 until 11:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CREATING MEMORIES HONOURING MOTHERS
+ MARTHA LAURENS
We are delighted to welcome Montblanc to Capella Sydney in collaboration with Calligrapher Martha Laurens to create time-honoured memories this Mother's Day
Drawing on the inspiration of founder August Eberstein, Montblanc’s master craftspeople have been producing the most luxurious pens since 1906 Montblanc achieve the peak of elegance, devotion of imagination, creativity and passion to produce pieces of everlasting beauty
Martha Laurens’ crafts exquisite calligraphy artistry, fine art, and design excellence Specialising in crafting bespoke lettering Martha’s handwritten calligraphy is designed to create a lifetime of memories
Join Martha in The Living Room where she will be scribing personalised messages with Montblanc's luxurious writing instruments
Sunday 11 May at 09:30 until 11:00
Exclusively for in-house guests
CAPELLA MOMENTS LITERARY CONVERSATIONS
Join us for a literary conversation with Walkley Award-winning author and journalist Helen Pitt as she discusses her book ‘The House’
Each May the Sydney Writers’ Festival brings together a broad and engaged community around the sharing of books, writing and ideas The Festival showcases brilliant storytellers across all forms in a thoughtful and challenging celebration of writing, books and ideas
Helen Pitt tells the stories of the people behind the magnificent white sails of the Sydney Opera House It's the dramatic story of the Sydney Opera House and the people who made it Helen will signing copies of her book*
Saturday 17 May 15:00 until 16:30
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
*One signed book per registered room
CAPELLA MOMENTS MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Join Fiona McIntosh for a tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Australia’s leading museum of contemporary art, a short ten minute walk from Capella Sydney
Fiona is an art advisor and tour leader with an extensive knowledge of the Australian visual arts scene and deep understanding of contemporary art practices.
Drawing on her strong network of artists, curators and galleries, and knowledge of public collections, sculpture and major art events, Fiona develops and leads tours of the “best of art” on offer at anytime in Sydney
Thursday 22 May at 10:30 until 12:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
Yasmin Smith, Seine River Basin, 2019
CAPELLA MOMENTS
METRO ART DISCOVERY
Discover Sydney’s extraordinary Metro Art with Fiona McIntosh, art advisor and tour leader with an extensive knowledge of the Australian visual arts scene Fiona has a deep understanding of contemporary art practices
Metro Art is a legacy-building public art program with commissions of public art by leading Australian and NSW artists, both experienced and emerging Explore the uplifting, intriguing and diverse public art prominently and permanently located at some of Sydney Metro stations
Your Art Discovery Tour will commence at Capella Sydney
Thursday 29 May at 14:30 until 16:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS VITALITY WALK
As the city awakens for the day join Culturist, Luke for an invigorating 3-5km walk
Enjoy the Sydney Opera House in the stillness of the morning light and watch the harbour come alive
Each Wednesday in May 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 Culturists
Each Thursday in May at 10:30 until 11:30
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 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
At Capella Sydney, our Little Stars program is designed to inspire and delight
tumi-isi® by artist Daimon Kanno Where Art Meets Play
LITTLE STARS DOODLING
Your Little Stars are sure to enjoy some colouring in with our reusable and sustainable colouring mats
Designed for hours of creative fun
Each Sunday 10:00 - 11:00
No Reservation required
LITTLE STARS KALEIDOSCOPE MAKING
Let's get colourful!
In May, Sydney comes alive with VIVID Sydney It's a festival of light and creativity
Little Stars will make their very own Kaleidoscope They will be amazed at the light and patterns that they create
It’s colourful, creative and playful!
Saturday 03 May at 10:00 until 11:00
Saturday 10 May at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
LITTLE STARS STORYTELLING
Chip, like most other gulls, is wild about chips He likes fat chips, skinny chips, sandy chips, crunchy or soggy chips But, most of all, he loves Joe's chips from Joe's Chip Van beside the sea
Join us for a wonderful hour of storytelling hour where we introduce the award winning author and illustrator Kylie Howarth's endearing children's book 'CHIP' to your Little Stars
Saturday 17 May at 10:00 until 11:00 Saturday 24 May at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA MOMENTS PAINT LIKE KEN DONE
Ken Done is one of Australia’s most iconic artists
His paintings capture the very essence of life on and around Sydney’s vibrant harbour
Join us for a colourful and playful painting workshop and learn to paint like Ken does!
Saturday 31 May at 10:00 until 11:00
Reservations are required by 18:00 the day prior
CAPELLA CURATES
WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCES
We take pride in curating unique experiences punctuated with unforgettable moments that will delight and enrich for years to come
Curate your world-class experience with Capella Sydney's expert Culturists
CAPELLA CURATES SAIL AWAY
Step aboard the historic Southwinds, a timeless 1950's yacht steeped in elegance and adventure Sip champagne, savour fresh oysters, and soak up Sydney’s Iconic Harbour
CAPELLA CURATES THE STORY OF JØRN UTZON
Led by Sydney architect Eoghan Lewis, ‘The Story of Jørn Utzon’ provides a textured portrait of Danish architect and his greatest work, The Sydney Opera House
CAPELLA CURATES
WINE, DINE & CRIME
Join Max Burns-McRuvie as he exposes the dimly-lit underworld of Sydney’s 19th century Opium Dens and Gambling Haunts Explore the unique historic sites around The Rocks for a truly immersive experience like no other
