Versailles: ‘Let them drink tea’ at the NGA

Versailles: Treasures from the Palace with Autumn High Tea at the National Gallery of Australia

In celebration of the National Gallery of Australia’s exclusive Versailles exhibition, and International Women’s Day, End2End Events is hosting an opulent high tea on Thursday 23^rd March from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Held in The Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery, the Autumn High Tea is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to escape the 21^st century, and be immersed in 18^th century French-inspired setting with herbal teas, French patisserie and delicacies, and beautiful baroque music.

The event will pay homage to the most iconic woman in French history (who spent most of her life at the Palace of Versailles), Marie Antoinette. The garden setting will imitate the way Marie is said to have liked to enjoy tea with her guests (La Soci t particuli re de la Reine), with the gallery in the background providing the perfect imitation of Versailles Palace.

End2End Events have partnered with a number of local suppliers to create a world of French finery and elegance that includes vintage furniture, live orchestral music and a special arrangement with a local jewellery supplier for those wanting to purchase jewellery especially for the event.

Marwa Rida, Director and Conceptual Event Designer at End2End Events says, “I have great admiration for the lifestyle of 18^th century France and specifically life at Versailles Palace. It was a beautiful and dramatic period in world history, and to have a piece of it here in Canberra at the National Gallery is very special.

We are making the most of it by creating an event where Canberrans can really take part and celebrate French culture. They can get dressed up and walk into a space designed to capture 18^th century France, with music, food, tea and French champagne in the beautiful surrounds of The Sculpture Garden.

It’s going to be an amazing event on an ordinary day. We appreciate that many will be coming from work, and encourage them to come with colleagues and get dressed up beforehand. Otherwise, work and lounge suit attire are acceptable.”

Both men and women are welcome to attend, and there will be a number of surprises on the day and a number of lucky door prizes to giveaway. Guests who purchase tickets early will also go into the draw to win a 2 for 1 pass to the 28^th French Film Festival, presented by the Alliance Fran aise at The Sculpture Garden.

The Autumn High Tea will be held on Thursday 23^rd March at 3:00pm. Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite. For more information visit End2End Events or follow on Facebook.