ONLINE Lectures

Subversive Surrealism 

| Kenneth W. Park |

In the wake of a special exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, explore the striking work of the well-known surrealist who sought to “make the most everyday objects shriek aloud.”

Part I: The Palace 

| Dr Susan Steer |

Why is the Doge's Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in Venice? Find out with this look at a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture.

Poets and Lovers

| Lydia Bauman |

Develop a newfound appreciation for one of the most famous figures in the history of Western art with this look at a blockbuster winter exhibition of van Gogh's work at The National Gallery, London. 

Sultan of the Ottoman Empire

| Dr Lauren Mackay |

Encounter one of the most famous rulers of the 16th century whose extraordinary forty-five year reign presided over a golden age of Ottoman art, architecture and culture. 

Part II: The Prisons 

| Dr Susan Steer |

Discover the darker side of the floating city's most celebrated palace with this fascinating look at the spaces where criminals were put on trial and held captive.

The Unknown Impressionist 

| Patrick Bade |

Take in this winter's blockbuster exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay and immerse yourself in the extraordinary work of the Impressionist painter who remained forgotten until recent decades. 

Classical Music's Greatest Revolutionary 

| Sandy Burnett |

Appreciate the unique brilliance and pioneering achievements of one the world's most revered composers. 

Part I: Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise

| Sandra Laville |

Visit some of France's famous fairy-tale castles and learn about their extraordinary history and fascinating royal occupants.   

Master of Glass

| Kenneth W. Park |

In the wake of his first major Australian outdoor exhibition in Adelaide's Botanic Garden this summer, be blown away by the world's most celebrated contemporary glass artist. 

Part II: Langeais, Vaux-le-vicomte and Villandry

| Sandra Laville |

Discover some of the lesser known châteaux that the French nobility ambitiously built in the Loire in pursuit of lofty Renaissance and Enlightenment ideals. 

The Layered City

| Dr Jeni Ryde |

Move beyond Elena Ferrante's iconic Neapolitan Novels to encounter the real Naples - Italy's unlikely masterpiece which boasts a unique magic.