VISITORS to the launch of “Enlighten” 2016 at the National Gallery of Australia this morning could have been forgiven for thinking from the little bunnies adorning the Gandel Hall that the Year of the Rabbit had arrived.

Hastily convened in the Hall when rain washed out an intended lakeside shindig in the nearby NGA Contemporary Art Space, the launch saw Enlighten’s creative director Nicole Warren enthuse about the rabbits, which we quickly discovered were a sign of things to come at “Enlighten”, when seven metre tall white inflatable rabbits glowing in the dark would brighten up the precinct in a free show.

Warren talked up the impending visit from Australian band Augie March, playing in the Electric Garden On March 5, as well as Questacon’s annual scientific exploration of popular foods and drinks (the best-ever was on ice-cream) in “Whisky Business,” a scientific look at the science behind creating whisky.

As guests and sponsors awaited the arrival of the Chief Minister Andrew Barr, they were treated to a visit from some strange zebra-like creatures, in reality artist Born in a Taxi, who assured “CityNews” that they were actually gazelles (we have our doubts), baring their teeth to show to prove how well-equipped to graze they were.

Mr Barr joined in the enthusiasm, predicting that the event would “excite, surprise and thrill visitors to the nation’s capital.” He also promised roving performers, live music and the popular night noodle markets run by Fairfax Media, “a feast for the senses,” he said.

This is the sixth year of “Enlighten,” which is designed to transform the Parliamentary Triangle and which apart from the night markets, is characterised by the architectural projections that light up Parliament House, the National Portrait Gallery, the National Library of Australia, The Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia and Questacon.

It’s a mixture of ticketed non-ticketed events and the best way to get the complete picture is to go online.

‘Enlighten 2016’, Parliamentary Triangle, March 4-12, information at enlightencanberra.com.au and bookings for ticketed events to ticketek.com.au or 132849.