A New Chapter for a Sydney Icon – the Lands by Capella Events Precinct to Open February 2nd 2026

A new era will begin for one of Sydney's most iconic heritage buildings on February 2nd, 2026, with the opening of The Lands by Capella – a landmark events destination within the heritage-listed Department of Lands building, located in the heart of the CBD adjacent to Capella Sydney.

Photo credits: The Lands by Capella

Blending timeless grandeur with modern sophistication, The Lands by Capella is set to redefine the standard for luxury events in Australia. From black-tie galas and both domestic and international conferences to intimate weddings, art showcases, and product launches, the venue has been thoughtfully designed to host exceptional occasions of every scale.

Located on Level Two of The Lands by Capella, the collection of five light-filled event venues will feature soaring ceilings of 4.6 metres, rich architectural detail, and flexible configurations. Designed with both beauty and function in mind, the spaces will accommodate everything from executive meetings to full-floor buy outs for large scale cocktail events and exhibitions.

At its heart lies the Capella Ballroom – a grand 536m² space where restored arched cedar windows frame iconic glimpses of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. With the ability to host up to 400 guests cocktail-style, the ballroom combines historic charm with state-of-the-art technology and Capella's renowned service, creating an ideal setting for large-scale events and celebrations.

Photo credits: The Lands by Capella

For more intimate occasions, the Liberty Ballroom offers understated elegance across 353m², accommodating up to 250 guests. With an abundance of natural light and a sense of quiet luxury, it's a perfect canvas for private dinners, boutique brand launches, and stylish weddings.

The Lands by Capella's smaller suites – The Botanist, The Surveyors, and The Explorers – complete the venue offering. Ranging from 79m² to 156m², these refined spaces suit pre-event functions, board meetings, creative breakouts, and private dining. Interconnected via heritage timber doors, they offer versatile configurations for bespoke multi-room events and exhibitions.

More than just an events venue, The Lands by Capella is set to become a destination for celebration and creativity. Available in cocktail, banquet, boardroom and theatre-style layouts, the entire floor can be booked exclusively for transformative brand experiences, art installations, curated dinners, or immersive performances.

With advanced audiovisual capabilities, flexible staging, and operable walls, The Lands by Capella will offer event planners the flexibility to reimagine each space to suit any occasion, whether it be an immersive brand activation or an elegant gala. Every event is supported by Capella Sydney's award-winning hospitality, with personalised planning led by the in-house team of specialists and menus crafted by Executive Chef Gabriele Taddeucci, renowned for his refined fusion of native Australian ingredients and global flavours.

Expect thoughtfully composed canapés, live chef stations, abundant grazing tables, and signature dining experiences that speak to Capella's commitment to culinary excellence.

Event attendees will have the opportunity to extend their experience by booking accommodation at Capella Sydney, seamlessly connecting the landmark events spaces at The Lands by Capella with Australia's leading luxury hotel. Featuring 192 exquisitely appointed rooms and suites, acclaimed dining options, the serene Auriga Spa, and The Living Room, Capella's signature guest lounge, the hotel offers an elegant sanctuary just steps away, perfectly complementing the sophistication and grandeur of the new events precinct.

“We are proud to reintroduce this iconic building to Sydney in a way that honours its past and redefines its future,” says Marc von Arnim, General Manager, Capella Sydney. “There is nothing else like this in Australia – a collection of event spaces that balance heritage and luxury with such care and refinement. The early response to bookings reflects the appetite for something truly special – we're thrilled to bring that to life.”

Melissa Brown, CEO, Australian Business Events Association, commented: “It's exciting to see new venues open with such thoughtfulness in the heart of the city. There is always a need for more and different styles of venues to suit the broad range and scope of business events. It is wonderful to see historic buildings renewed and adapted to enhance the quality of meetings and event experiences.”

By late 2026, the full transformation of the Department of Lands building to The Lands by Capella will be complete, unveiling more than 10,000 square metres of curated experiences, from restaurants and bars to stunning new experiential retail and cultural activations. Among the highlights is The Sandstones Club by Florence Guild, an exclusive and modern members club set to open in February 2026, with a focus on optimised living through health, wellness, connection, thought-leadership, culture and belonging.

Capella Hotels and Resorts was honoured as Best Hotel Brand by Travel + Leisure's 'World's Best Awards' for three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. In 2025, Capella Sydney was also named Best City Hotel in Australia and New Zealand by Travel + Leisure. This legacy of award-winning luxury hospitality now extends to The Lands by Capella, promising an unparalleled events experience.

Event enquiries and bookings for The Lands by Capella are now open, with site inspections of the event spaces available within the coming weeks.