Designed by Moreau Kusunoki and Genton, the building uses a 12,000-tonne steel lattice exoskeleton to house 30,000 square metres of space across two interconnected towers. Inside, visitors encounter interior finishes rendered from 600,000 crushed oyster shells, column-free exhibition halls, and natural light overlooking the Parramatta River. The public opening is anchored by a 23-day festival of talks, screenings, performances, and workshops alongside five premiere exhibitions.
Key points
The $915 million museum officially opened despite facing sustained public controversy and…: The $915 million museum officially opened despite facing sustained public controversy and criticism since its initial 2014 announcement.
Former chief executive Lisa Havilah was stood down ahead of the launch following a New So…: Former chief executive Lisa Havilah was stood down ahead of the launch following a New South Wales Treasury investigation.
Column-free exhibition halls reaching up to 18 metres in height allow the venue to presen…: Column-free exhibition halls reaching up to 18 metres in height allow the venue to present massive installations like the flagship space exploration showcase.
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Dubbed the “Opera House of western Sydney”, Powerhouse Parramatta’s white lattice exoskeleton, composed from 1,300 individual pieces and wrapping 30,000 sq metres of interior space, has already become a familiar landmark.
Even better known, perhaps, is the project’s controversial history. Since the Parramatta outpost was announced in 2014, a vocal group of dissenters led by former staff and trustees has lamented what they see as the neglect of the museum’s Ultimo site in favour of a new infrastructure project, and what they say is a shift away from the museum’s core business towards contemporary art and events.
The eye-watering price tag – $915m, in an era of funding precarity for the arts – has also come under scrutiny, culminating in a New South Wales Treasury investigation into allegations over the museum’s governance and procurement practices. In late August, 10 weeks from the scheduled opening, CEO Lisa Havilah was stood down while the investigation unfolded.
When the major new venue opens to the public on Saturday, the big question will be: was it worth it? What will it bring to Parramatta…
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