Powerhouse Discovery Tours

Scenic flight over Wilpena Pound
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‘Tree of life’ kalamkari, India 1984, Powerhouse Museum collection.

Rožmberk castle, Czech Republic,
13th century

Astronomy in the Flinders
Arkaroola, Flinders Ranges
23 - 27 October 2008
Join astronomer Jeff Portelli from the Sydney Observatory for a long weekend of adventure and pure indulgence! Start with a brief interlude in the Clare Valley for wine tasting at some of the region’s best cellar doors before heading up into the Flinders Ranges and the spectacular scenery of Wilpena Pound. Then venture across rugged terrain into the far reaches of the Flinders to the remote village of Arkaroola.

By day, you can choose from an array of adventure activities including wildlife spotting, 4-wheel drive tours and scenic flights. By night, explore the spectacular skies over the South Australian outback both out in the open and at Arkaroola’s private observatory. more…

Textiles & Cultures of Eastern India India
21 February - 11 March 2009
Travel through Eastern India with Christina Sumner – Principal Curator Design & Society at the Powerhouse Museum – along a meandering route from south to north. With each step, see the stories of India etched into its magnificent architecture as well as the textiles, arts and crafts of the many people you will meet along the way.

Your journey starts in ancient Chennai (formerly Madras) then heads northwards to Andhra Pradesh, home of the beautiful Kalamkari hand-painted textiles. Continue to Orissa, renowned for its fine ikat weaving techniques, then explore the Kantha quilt tradition in West Bengal. Finally, visit the holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the mighty Ganges, an important pilgrimage site and centre for exquisite silk brocades, before your journey draws to a close in the country’s capital – Delhi.

From your experiences and what you see along the way, you will learn how history and the environment have shaped the art, craft and textile traditions of Eastern India, and how the impact and influence of traders, foreign invaders and significant events have helped change the course of that history. This is a journey which will intrigue and delight you at every turn.
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Kings & Castles of Bohemia
Czech Republic
25 May – 8 June 2009
Take a fascinating journey deep into the heart of Bohemia which goes beyond the famous sites and cities to lift the lid on other wonderful and little-known fiefdoms. You will encounter history at every step during this tour taking you through a charming and captivating region of central Europe. Special highlights include a private viewing of the Lobkowicz and other art collections.

There will be behind-the-scenes and curator-led visits to the Jewish Museum and the Decorative Arts Museum in Prague, the collection of Bohemian Gothic art at Hlukoká Castle, and other visits to many fascinating castle collections of furniture, textiles, old masters and decorative arts. This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the spectrum of the Czech way of life – art, culture and gastronomy - as experienced by their kings, princes and paupers!
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