Visitors will get a chance to go on a date with democracy as the annual Enlighten Festival returns to light up the nation's capital.
A romance-inspired late-night exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House highlights the 11-day festival lighting up Canberra's cultural institutions.
As well as learning about Australia's democratic history, visitors can belt out break-up ballads at karaoke, while a kaleidoscope of love hearts, flowers and ballot boxes created by Claudia Chinyere Akole illuminates the exterior of the grand old edifice.
Former political journalist Barrie Cassidy, who now chairs the Old Parliament House board, said he wanted visitors to reflect on their relationship with democracy.
"Is it still everything you had hoped for?" he asked.
"Or are there aspects of it that you're now concerned about? And even if that's the case, do you still appreciate this a relationship worth fighting for, no matter the challenges?"
The facade at the current Parliament House has also been transformed, with illuminations inspired by Alison Alder's I AM A NEW WOMAN screen print series celebrating 12 female pioneers of democracy.
For the first time in its 15-year history, the festival extends beyond the parliamentary triangle with events across the city.
Mount Stromlo observatory offers a stargazing experience, Glebe Park in the city centre has transformed into an iridescent enchanted woodland, and families can see a new side to the National Zoo with private guided tours.
The festival is now entrenched in Canberra's events calendar, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
"It brings the community together and invites visitors to come out to see our iconic national institutions in a creative new light," he said.
"The festival continues to grow each year, providing a boost to the city's tourism economy."
Enlighten reaches its crescendo with Symphony in the Park taking over Commonwealth Park on Sunday before wrapping up the following day.
