Powerhouse Parramatta: Sydney's New $915M Museum Opens November 2026
Set to debut on November 7, 2026, the Powerhouse Parramatta will be a new institution dedicated to art and science, located along the Parramatta River in western Sydney. This ambitious cultural endeavor, with a budget of A$915 million largely provided by the New South Wales government, ranks among Australia's most significant projects since the Sydney Opera House. Designed by Moreau Kusunoki, it will feature an observatory, culinary area, and rooftop terrace. Admission and the majority of exhibitions will be free, with five inaugural displays highlighting over 3,000 items, including notable shows like 'Overflow,' 'Water Country,' and 'The Mall.' Originally aimed at replacing the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo, the plan shifted due to public feedback, resulting in Ultimo's renovation.
Key facts
- Powerhouse Parramatta opens November 7, 2026.
- Total budget: A$915 million (€560 million), mostly funded by NSW government.
- Designed by Moreau Kusunoki, a Franco-Japanese firm.
- Located on the Parramatta River in western Sydney.
- Free entry to museum and most exhibitions.
- Five inaugural exhibitions featuring over 3,000 objects.
- Exhibition 'Overflow' includes Aboriginal community commissions on 'Water Country'.
- Exhibition 'The Mall' traces the history of shopping centers and Westfield's role.
- Ultimo site will be retained and renovated, not replaced.
- Powerhouse group has over 500,000 objects; this is its fourth site.
- Inaugural exhibition 'Task Eternal' focuses on space exploration.
Entities
Institutions
- Powerhouse Parramatta
- Powerhouse Museum
- Powerhouse Ultimo
- Powerhouse
- Moreau Kusunoki
- Centre Pompidou
- New South Wales government
- Westfield
- Sydney Observatory
- Castle Hill
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Parramatta
- Parramatta River
- New South Wales
- Ultimo
- Paris
- France