The Powerhouse Museum is acknowledged internationally for the calibre of its collection, scholarship and exhibitions.
The Powerhouse Museum is a well-known and popular Sydney tourist destination. A public museum operated by the State Government for the people of New South Wales, the Powerhouse contains over 500,000 separate items in its collection.
Its unique and diverse collection spans science, technology, design and decorative arts, engineering, architecture, health and medicine, fashion and contemporary culture.
Examples of the items on display include decorative arts, science, communication, transport, costume, furniture, media, computer technology, space technology and steam engines.
The Powerhouse has existed in various guises over 125 years, occupying its current site in Ultimo since 1988 and for which it is named – a converted electric tram power station originally constructed in 1902.
The museum hosts a range of 12 permanent exhibitions including many concerning different modes of transport and communication.
Among the unique exhibits, one of the most popular is arguably “The Strasburg Clock Model” built in 1887 by 25 year old Sydney watchmaker Richard Smith. Also popular is Locomotive No. 1 which hauled the first steam train in New South Wales in 1855. Visitors can peer at the characters and overhear their conversations on a typical 19th century train journey sitting in vastly different first, second and third class carriages.
Kings Cinema is an art deco cinema in the style of the 1930s where visitors can watch Australian newsreels and films from the 1920s and 1930s.
Other permanent exhibitions include The Wiggles, hands-on multimedia space The Lab, Experimentations and Recollect – display showcasing the history and innovation of public health and medicine.
Permanent exhibitions at the Powerhouse are complemented by a changing program of temporary exhibitions and displays. Click here to view information on special exhibitions, events workshops and tours are happening at the museum.
School holiday programs including Minecraft master sessions, virtual reality workshops, game developer workshops and family day special events.
Wildly popular is The Wiggles exhibition complete with the famous Big Red Car, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus and Captain Feathersword. Kids can learn, play and wiggle in the free-form play and interactive spaces, whilst the grown-ups can discover the rise of the original Wiggles and formation and continued success of the new line-up.
The museum offers two cafes open for breakfast and lunch on levels 1 and 3. Level 1 provides an outdoor area with playground for children, whilst the cafe located on level 3 is a relaxing environment to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine with a menu ranging from burgers to cakes and substantial main courses.
Located at 500 Harris St, Ultimo NSW, The Powerhouse Museum is only a short walk, less than 5 minutes away from Metro Aspire Hotel Sydney.
View more information at www.maas.museum
*Images credits:
Train on display at the Powerhouse Museum, Ultimo & Science and Design Museum, The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo / James Horan; Destination NSW
