POWER ON: Powerhouse Parramatta opens to thousand
PARRAMATTA has entered a new era as Powerhouse Parramatta, the largest museum development in NSW history, officially opens its doors, attracting thousands of visitors to the heart of Western Sydney.
More than 26,000 people registered to attend the opening weekend on November 7 – 8, highlighting enormous public interest in the landmark cultural institution on the Parramatta riverfront.
The opening represents a major milestone for Western Sydney, bringing world-class exhibitions, cultural experiences and educational opportunities to a region traditionally underserved by major cultural institutions.
The museum is expected to become a significant tourism drawcard, boosting Parramatta's visitor economy and supporting local hospitality, retail and accommodation businesses.
A further 6,500 tickets have been sold for paid events during the opening festival, which continues until November 29.
Importantly, 65 per cent of opening program events are free, while children under 16 receive free admission to all exhibitions.
Five major exhibitions
Visitors can explore more than 3,000 objects across five exhibitions, including 1,600 items from the Powerhouse collection. Exhibitions include:
• Task Eternal – an exploration of space and flight;
• The Mall – a journey into shopping malls and Western Sydney industry and innovation;
• The Dark – an immersive and interactive adventure for kids;
• Overflow – a powerful documentation of First Nations water country,
• Es Devlin’s evolving installation The Turnin.
The exhibitions have been developed with 85 international, national and local industry and community partners.
Highlights include Task Eternal, exploring space and aviation; The Mall, celebrating shopping centres and Western Sydney innovation; and The Dark, an interactive adventure designed for children.
Other exhibitions include Overflow, documenting First Nations water country, and internationally acclaimed artist Es Devlin's evolving installation, The Turning.
The museum also celebrates community contributions, including objects donated by children as young as four and the involvement of long-serving volunteers.
Major economic investment
Construction involved approximately 4,000 workers contributing more than 2.7 million hours.
Around 75 per cent of the workforce came from Western Sydney, while $329M in contracts and expenditure flowed to regional businesses.
The project was initiated under former Liberal Premier Mike Baird, with the MinnsLabor Government overseeing its completion.
Premier Chris Minns acknowledged the former government's contribution while describing the opening as a transformative moment.
"This is a huge moment for Western Sydney, and a massive drawcard for this part of Sydney," Mr Minns said. "People in the west deserve world-class culture and infrastructure that we see in global cities."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the museum would complement other major infrastructure investments.
"Alongside the new Western Sydney Airport and the Metro West project, this museum will cement Western Sydney as a global destination," she said.
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis described the museum as an institution belonging to the community.
"Powerhouse Parramatta is more than a landmark building on our riverfront," Ms Davis said.
"It is an important cultural institution at the service of our community, their stories, their industries, their imagination. It is going to transform our city."
Open seven days
Powerhouse Parramatta will operate seven days weekly, with extended opening hours until 9pm Thursday to Sunday during the opening festival.
Monday to Wednesday hours are 10am to 5pm, while dining venues Simara and Folded will operate from 8am until late.
The opening positions Parramatta as an increasingly important cultural destination, providing another major attraction for residents and visitors.
Details: www.powerhouse.com.au/program
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