PRESS RELEASE
Capella Sydney hosts unforgettable black-tie eventto celebrate official opening

Image credit: Timothy KayeMarch 31st 2023 – Last night, Capella Hotels and Resorts hosted an exclusive opening event, marking a historic
moment for the city of Sydney. The black-tie occasion commemorated the transformation of the iconic
heritage-listed 1915 Department of Education building into Capella Sydney, a benchmark destination of luxury
accommodation, exquisite cuisine and incomparable cultural immersion.
The sweeping red carpet in the heart of Sydney’s Sandstone Precinct was walked by an A-list of guests including
Julie Bishop, Pip Edwards, Justin Hemmes, David Koch, Neil Perry, Edwina McCann, John Symond, Nadia Fairfaxand Monika Tu. Beyond the hotel’s historic bronze doors, attendees were welcomed into a dramatically lit
Aperture, the hotel’s central gathering space, and the surrounding ground-floor spaces of the hotel.
In Aperture, guests were treated to dance performances set to the themes of the classical elements – air, earth,water and fire – with choreography inspired by a “living” soundscape from Australian DJ Jono Ma (best known
as the producer-writer of Jagwar Ma). As guests moved through each room, the evolving ambience was built
upon by musicians including a pianist, cellist, percussionist and harpist, culminating with a DJ set by Rich Penny.
Earlier in the night, the hotel’s opening on Gadigal land was marked by a smoking ceremony to the sound of thedidgeridoo and a performance by Janawi Dance Clan. A powerful Welcome to Country was offered by Aunty
Margret Campbell, before media personality and architecture enthusiast Tim Ross introduced the honourable
Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney who commended Capella for an impeccable addition to the city’s tourism
landscape.
Marc von Arnim, Capella Sydney’s General Manager, was elated to host such a momentous occasion after aseven-year restoration and renovation process. "The opening event was a truly spectacular affair that perfectly

showcased the transformative effects of the Capella brand,” von Arnim says. “We are honoured to have welcomed
our special guests to this iconic site and to finally share with the world our vision for Capella Sydney.”
From the majestic marble-clad foyer to the glamorous McRae Bar and landmark restaurant Brasserie 1930, thebuilding’s impressive reawakening was a key focus of the celebration. The attention to detail and commitment
to excellence in the craft of hospitality was on full display, showcasing a new standard of luxury in Australia.
Backdropped by the hotel’s breathtaking architectural features, contemporary design aesthetic and curated art
collections, guests experienced a snapshot of Capella Sydney’s food and beverage offering. Highlights included
an “express” sit-down dinner in Brasserie 1930 with cuisine by The Bentley Group, a signature cocktail menu in
McRae Bar and whiskey served from The Living Room – the hotel’s prestige guest-only lounge space.
Beginning with Sydney rock oysters and raw yellowfin tuna with succulents, canapes were served throughout theevening. Guests enjoyed crumpets with crème fraiche and caviar, blue eye cod and scallop toast, and osso buco
pie with bush tomato, among other modern classics, served alongside flowing champagne.
With the unveiling of Capella Sydney, Von Arnim says the city has gained a spectacular new destination thatcombines the best of heritage and contemporary design,Eworld-class accommodation and dining, andtransformative guest experiences. “Capella Sydney is an invitation to unlock the stories, culture and special
experiences of this vibrant city. We welcome everyone to join us in the revitalised Sandstone Precinct.”
The grand opening of Capella Sydney was managed by Public Relations agency Élysée Collective with event
production by Rizer.
Capella Sydney is now open for reservations, via telephone +61 2 9071 5000 or online capellahotels.com/sydney
Instagram @capellasydney @brasserie.1930 @mcrae.bar_ENDS_Hotel imagery by Timothy Kaye here.
Red carpet photography by Getty here.
Event photography by Shayben Moussa here.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Élysée Collective
Alice Moore, Director
alice@elyseecollective.com.au
Capella Sydney
Kate Dalton, Director of Marketing and Communications
kate.dalton@capellahotels.com
ABOUT CAPELLA HOTELS AND RESORTS
The Capella Hotels and Resorts constellation consists of properties located in Singapore, Ubud, Bangkok, Hanoi,
Shanghai and Hainan. Capella Sydney will be the first one in the Australian market. Future openings include
exciting destinations such as Japan, Maldives and South Korea. The exceptional hospitality brand, taking its
name from the brightest star of the Auriga constellation, shines a spotlight on local heritage, culture andcommunity whilst crafting authentic guests’ experiences with the highest level of personalised service andcombining a legacy of thoughtful design. Capella Hotels and Resorts was named 2nd Best Hotel Brand in theworld in the Travel + Leisure ‘World’s Best Awards’ in both 2021 and 2020. Capella Hotels and Resorts is amember of DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme representing a collection of 40 independent hotel
brands in over 100 countries worldwide.

For more information, visit capellahotels.com
ABOUT PONTIAC LAND GROUP
Pontiac Land is a privately-held property developer, owner, and operator based in Singapore. The Group’s
collection of properties includes mixed-use developments with hospitality, commercial and residentialcomponents. Leveraging on sixty years of experience in luxury property development, Pontiac Land seeks tobetter the built environment through thoughtful architecture and design. Each development is curated with artand spaces are maintained by the Group’s in-house property management team to deliver hospitality to ourguests and tenants. The collection spans Singapore, New York, Sydney and the Maldives. In 2006, Pontiac Landco-founded Capella Hotel Group in Asia. The Group subsequently acquired Capella Hotel Group as a whollyowned subsidiary in 2017, extending Pontiac Land’s presence to over 20 destinations globally.
For more Information, visit pontiacland.com