Powerhouse Parramatta officially opened to the public on Saturday 7th November, marking the arrival of one of the largest new cultural institutions in Western Sydney.
Designed by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton as equal architectural partners, the museum represents a significant addition to Parramatta’s cultural landscape and a new home for exhibitions spanning art, design, science and technology.
More than 26,000 people registered to attend the opening weekend, with free public entry. The opening festival continues until 29th November, with a program of exhibitions, installations and events developed in collaboration with 85 international, national and local industry and community partners.
Across five opening exhibitions, more than 3,000 objects are on display, including over 1,600 from the Powerhouse collection.
The program includes Task Eternal, exploring space and flight, and The Mall, examining shopping centres alongside Western Sydney’s industrial and technological histories. The Dark offers an immersive and interactive experience for children, while Overflow explores First Nations water Country. The opening program also features The Turning, an evolving installation by artist and designer Es Devlin.
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For Powerhouse Interim CEO Abbie Galvin, the opening marks the point at which the building becomes an active cultural institution.
“Without people and communities, there are no objects, there’s no museum – just an empty building,” said Galvin.
“As of today, we have a building filled with great objects, great stories, and people inside to bring it to life made possible by a large and dedicated group of artists, collaborators, staff and communities.”
The completed museum is the result of more than 2.7 million hours of work by a workforce of approximately 4,000 people.
Powerhouse Parramatta will operate seven days a week, with extended opening hours until 9pm from Thursday to Sunday during the opening festival. Entry to the museum is free, with over half of the opening program events also free and complimentary exhibition entry for visitors under 16.
The opening marks the beginning of a new chapter for Powerhouse and an opportunity to consider the role of major cultural architecture in Western Sydney.
Powerhouse Parramatta
powerhouse.com.au
Moreau Kusunoki
moreaukusunoki.com
Genton
genton.global
Aerial view of Powerhouse Parramatta by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton. Photography: Powerhouse Studio.
The Dark exhibition at Powerhouse Parramatta. Photography: Sean Fennessy.
