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Powerhouse Parramatta Reveals Opening Exhibitions, Including Es Devlin's Australian Debut

exhibition · 2026-08-26

Powerhouse Parramatta, the upcoming museum in Western Sydney, has revealed its complete exhibition lineup in anticipation of its public debut on 7 November. This program includes five exhibitions featuring over 3,000 items, with more than 1,600 sourced from the Powerhouse Collection and international loans. A standout is 'The Dark', an interactive experience for children aged 4-12, created in collaboration with director Kip Williams, recognized for his cinematic adaptation of 'Dracula' in London, showcasing over 800 objects, including pieces from the Australian Museum's mineral collection and newly commissioned animations by First Nations artists. Another significant exhibition, 'Es Devlin: The Turning', represents the British artist's inaugural showcase in Australia, featuring five immersive installations such as 'Forest of Us' and 'Memory Palace'. Additionally, 'Overflow' is a First Nations-led exhibition rooted in the principles of Water Country, developed with seven Aboriginal organizations and highlighting filmmaker Ivan Sen's work. This museum is part of a $915 million arts infrastructure initiative, which encompasses a new collection storage facility in Castle Hill and the digitization of over 371,000 items. Powerhouse Parramatta has exceeded its philanthropic goal of $75 million, raising $80.28 million. Chief Executive Lisa Havilah emphasized that the museum aims to 'redefine how museums connect with community, industry, and learning.'

Key facts

  • Powerhouse Parramatta opens to the public on 7 November.
  • The opening program includes five exhibitions with over 3,000 objects.
  • The Dark is an immersive exhibition for children aged 4-12, developed with director Kip Williams.
  • Es Devlin: The Turning is the British artist's first Australian exhibition.
  • Overflow is a First Nations-led exhibition working with seven Aboriginal organisations.
  • The project is part of a $915 million arts infrastructure project.
  • Powerhouse Parramatta has raised $80.28 million in philanthropic contributions, surpassing its $75 million target.
  • The museum will include a new collection storage facility at Castle Hill and digitisation of over 371,000 objects.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Powerhouse Parramatta
  • Powerhouse Collection
  • Australian Museum
  • Sydney Theatre Company
  • Bangarra Dance Theatre
  • Baramadagal Community
  • Gamay Rangers
  • Goondee Aboriginal Museum and Keeping Place
  • Jagun Alliance
  • Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Land Corporation
  • Moogalin Performing Arts
  • Naru Aboriginal Corporation

Locations

  • Parramatta
  • Australia
  • Western Sydney
  • New South Wales
  • Castle Hill
  • London
  • West End
  • Miami

Sources