Powerhouse Parramatta Grand Opening
Western Sydney’s biggest museum opening in history is finally here. Powerhouse Parramatta opens on Saturday 7 November with five major exhibitions, followed by a 23-day Opening Festival of 179 events covering First Nations culture, space, science, transport, design, music, food and film.
Opening weekend highlights:
- Steam trains and vintage buses: Ride to the museum on a heritage steam train or vintage bus on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November, with the NSW Railway Band playing at Parramatta station.
- Saturday 7 November: Industrial designer Marc Newson talks through 40 years of design. Pacific community groups perform to unveil Te Waka Whakakotahi, a new Māori canoe.
- Sunday 8 November: Former NASA chief and astronaut Charles Bolden Jr shares stories from space. A must for any little astronauts.
📅 Opens Saturday 7 November. The Opening Festival runs until Sunday 29 November.
📍 Powerhouse Parramatta, 34 Phillip Street, Parramatta
💰 Free entry to the museum and most exhibitions. Talks are $15 for adults, and kids go free.
🌐 powerhouse.com.au
Parent tips:
- Book a free arrival time for opening weekend before you go. It’s going to be busy.
- Skip the car. Parking in the Parramatta CBD will be limited, so take the train. Staff will be around Parramatta Square and Smith Street to point you in the right direction.
- Can’t make opening weekend? The festival runs for four weekends, and the museum has late openings four nights a week. A weekday evening visit could mean smaller crowds with the kids.
- Train-mad kids? Make the steam train ride part of the day. It’s half the fun.
