Powerhouse Parramatta reaches new heights
Powerhouse Parramatta has today marked a major milestone, with the building reaching its full 75-metre height as the steel exoskeleton that wraps around the building is also officially completed.
This is a significant step forward for the Minns Labor Government in the delivery of the largest museum in NSW history and one of the first major cultural institutions to be built in Western Sydney.
This project also marks the largest investment in cultural infrastructure by the NSW Government since the Sydney Opera House was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973.
The exoskeleton design – which makes up the majority of the 12,000 tonnes of steel used in the project, means the museum’s 7 exhibition spaces are entirely column-free. Two of these exhibition spaces have already been handed over to the Powerhouse Museum for exhibition fit out.
Expected to attract 2 million visitors a year, Powerhouse Parramatta will deliver a world class cultural institution in the heart of Sydney’s West that will drive cultural and economic growth.
Work to deliver this iconic new cultural institution has been completed by a 2,500 strong workforce who have contributed to the project to date, collectively working over 1.45 million hours on site.
The Minns Labor Government is also announcing a $5 million donation from the Neilson Foundation to Powerhouse Parramatta, including the naming and presentation rights for Exhibition Space 5.This brings the total raised by the Powerhouse Museum philanthropic campaign to $65.9 million, in addition to the $840 million investment by the NSW Government for Parramatta and Castle Hill facilities.
The Neilson Foundation’s generous contribution will enable the creation of The Dark – an immersive and interactive exhibition for children. This exhibition led by award-winning Australian designers Kip Williams and Elizabeth Gadsby will be developed in close collaboration with early learning experts and other creative partners.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of this year, when it will be handed over to the Powerhouse Museum for exhibition fit out ahead of opening to the public in late 2026.
For more information visit: NSW Government | Powerhouse Parramatta.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“Powerhouse Parramatta is a once-in-a-generation investment in Western Sydney’s cultural lifeblood – inspiring young minds, creating local jobs, and bringing world-class exhibitions right to the heart of Parramatta.
“Now that the building has reached its full height of 75-metres, you can truly see the scale and ambition of this project – staking its place proudly in the Parramatta skyline.
“For too long, Western Sydney has been denied access to world class infrastructure, and from schools and hospitals to the Parramatta Powerhouse, we’re getting on with the job of delivering this new infrastructure.”
Minister for the Arts John Graham said:
“This site will celebrate and showcase the best of applied arts and sciences. It will ensure that Western Sydney is not just part of the cultural conversation, but leading it.
“The Neilson Foundation’s support for the opening exhibition The Dark will be a game-changer for children across the state – inspiring the next generation of thinkers, creators and innovators.”
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
Today’s topping out and completion of the exoskeleton marks an impressive milestone and is a clear indication of the scale and momentum behind this landmark build.
"Once finished, Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, with 18,000 square metres of exhibition and public space — a true cultural and architectural icon for Parramatta and Western Sydney.
"This project is more than just a museum — it’s a game-changer for the local economy, with over $150 million in contracts already awarded to Western Sydney businesses.
Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:
“Powerhouse Parramatta will provide residents and visitors to Western Sydney with endless opportunities to expand their knowledge and imagination.
“We’ve been gradually watching the Powerhouse Museum reach new heights and today we celebrate that it’s one step closer to completion.
Managing Director for Lendlease Stephanie Graham said:
“Our progress on this new cultural landmark for Western Sydney reflects our design and construction expertise, underpinned by strong partnerships with our customers and supply chain.”
Kerr Neilson, Chair, Neilson Foundation said:
“We are proud to support Powerhouse Parramatta as exhibition partner for this immersive and innovative cultural experience for young audiences.
“Having the exhibition space carry the Neilson Foundation name reflects our shared commitment to fostering curiosity and learning in the next generation and supporting institutions that lead through innovation and imagination.”