Join Costa Georgiadis at the National Portrait Gallery for a Spring Family Day on Saturday 27 September 2025 from 10 am. Photo: National Portrait Gallery.
Celebrate the unveiling of our new portrait of landscape architect, environmental educator and TV host Costa Georgiadis!
Join Costa and artist Rob McHaffie for a day of creativity, community and connection. Enjoy Storytime, get crafty in our Spring Family Space, listen to live music and explore Costa’s portrait on an interactive family tour.
In 2024, the National Portrait Gallery invited the Australian public to choose the person they wanted to see in the collection by voting in The People’s Portrait. From a shortlist of 25 remarkable Australians, Costa Georgiadis received the most votes and is now the subject of a major new commission by Rob McHaffie. The People’s Portrait was supported by the Sid & Fiona Myer Family Foundation.
Program
Welcome to Country 10 am
The day will begin with a Welcome to Country at the entrance to the Gallery.
Plant swap: bring a plant, take a plant! 10 am – 4 pm
Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting your indoor jungle, this is your chance to green up your home. Bring along your plants, cuttings or seeds and join this community exchange while connecting with fellow plant lovers and green thumbs. Find out more here.
Badge making: Portraits in bloom 10 am – 4 pm
Be inspired by the In Bloom exhibition and design a badge that celebrates portraits with flowers!
Spring Family Space 10 am – 4:30 pm
Get creative all day in our Spring Family Space with different activities inspired by our bold and beautiful botanical exhibition, In Bloom and our new portrait of Costa.
Live music and food stalls 10 am – 2 pm
Energise with groovy tunes and good food. Dance and sing along with DJ Charlie Villas and treat yourself to delicious bites from a variety of food stalls.
Face the flora: collage portraits with Rob McHaffie 11 am – 12:30 pm
Guided by artist Rob McHaffie and inspired by his practice, collage your own flora and fauna portrait using motifs created by Rob himself. Can’t make it in the morning? No worries! The activity will remain available as a self-directed experience until 4:00pm. Drop in any time.
Portrait Play: Connecting with Costa 11 am, 12 pm and 2 pm
Explore Rob McHaffie’s portrait of Costa up close. Join Gallery staff on an interactive family tour to learn more about the portrait through playful movement, conversation and artmaking. Tours are limited to 20 people and will be running at various times throughout the day. Book your spot here.
Story Time with Costa 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Settle in for story time with Costa as he reads his book Costa’s Garden: Flowers. After hearing the story, get creative and make your own nature goggles! Copies of the book and goggle making will be available until 4:00pm for families to read and create together.
Costa Georgiadis and Rob McHaffie Pop-Up Talk 1:30 pm – 1:50 pm
Join Rob and Costa for a lively conversation in front of the new portrait. Hear how their creative process and the evolving relationship between artist and sitter brought the portrait to life.
Sensory hour 3 pm – 4 pm
The day will end with a sensory hour for visitors who would benefit from a quieter, more relaxed experience. Music will be turned down from 3:00pm with plenty of creative activities available for families to enjoy together.
The Details
What: Spring Family Day with Costa Georgiadis
When: Saturday 27 September from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Cost: Free. Find out more.
