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Conditions of Entry

Introduction & Application

  • These Conditions of Entry apply to all visitors to Powerhouse sites and facilities, including Powerhouse Ultimo, Powerhouse Parramatta, Powerhouse Castle Hill and Sydney Observatory (together, "Powerhouse", "the Museum", "our sites").
  • By entering a Powerhouse site, you agree to comply with these Conditions of Entry, together with any Booking Terms & Conditions, event or program-specific terms, and directions given by Powerhouse staff or security.
  • Where a specific venue or program has additional conditions, those conditions take precedence over the general conditions in this document for that venue or program.
  • Powerhouse (Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences) is a NSW Government cultural institution. These Conditions of Entry operate alongside, and do not limit, any rights visitors have under applicable NSW and Commonwealth law, including the Australian Consumer Law.
  • Nothing in these Conditions of Entry excludes, restricts or modifies any right or remedy a visitor may have under the Australian Consumer Law, or any other law that cannot lawfully be excluded.

Bags & Cloakroom

  • Small bags, handbags and items that can be comfortably carried are permitted in exhibition spaces.
  • Any bag or item larger than a standard sized backpack must be left in the cloakroom before entering exhibition spaces. All umbrellas that do not fit into a bag must be left in self-service umbrella stands in the cloakroom.
  • All items left in the cloakroom must be collected the same day. Uncollected items will be held for a period of 48 hours before being donated or disposed of.
  • Powerhouse staff and security may inspect bags and other items on entry or exit for safety and security purposes and may request that items are cloaked or removed.
  • The following items are not permitted on site: weapons of any kind (real or replica), aerosols, laser pointers, drones, flammable or hazardous materials, and any other item Powerhouse staff reasonably consider a safety risk.
  • Powerhouse is not liable for loss of, or damage to, items left in the cloakroom, except as required by law.

Food & Drink

  • Drinking water in a sealed container is permitted throughout our sites. Other food and beverages may only be consumed in designated areas.
  • Food and drinks are not permitted inside exhibition spaces, unless for an approved event.
  • Visitors with a medical requirement to carry food or drink (for example, for diabetes management) may do so.

Dress Code

  • Visitors must be fully clothed, wear footwear and maintain a socially acceptable level of hygiene at all times when visiting Powerhouse sites.
  • Visitors must not wear clothing or accessories displaying discriminatory, offensive, obscene, threatening or otherwise inappropriate language, images or material, including material that may reasonably be considered to promote hatred, violence or unlawful activity.
  • Powerhouse reserves the right to refuse entry to, or require a visitor to leave, a Powerhouse site if the visitor is not appropriately dressed or does not comply with this dress code. Where reasonably practicable, Powerhouse may provide the visitor with an opportunity to remedy the issue before entry or re-entry.
  • Specific programs, performances, functions or facility-hire bookings may set their own dress code (for example, formal events or school programs); these will be communicated at the time of booking.

Weather & Outdoor Areas

  • Powerhouse sites include outdoor and semi-outdoor areas that may be affected by wet weather, storms, extreme heat or high winds.
  • Powerhouse may modify, relocate, shorten or cancel outdoor programs at short notice due to weather conditions, for the safety of visitors, staff and equipment.
  • Where reasonably practicable, Powerhouse will notify affected ticket holders in advance and offer a rescheduled session, an alternative indoor program, or a refund, consistent with Booking Terms & Conditions.
  • Outdoor surfaces may be slippery in wet weather. Visitors should take care, wear suitable footwear and follow any additional safety directions given by Powerhouse staff.
  • Umbrellas may be required to be closed, or restricted, in some areas or during busy periods, at staff discretion.

Photography, Filming & Recording

  • Powerhouse may photograph, film or otherwise record visitors while they are on Powerhouse premises for security, safety and archival purposes. Any such recording will be undertaken in accordance with section Privacy & CCTV.
  • Visitors may take photographs or make video recordings for personal, non-commercial use, provided that flashes or other additional lighting are not used. Photography and recording may be prohibited or restricted in certain exhibitions, performances or programs where Powerhouse staff advise these restrictions apply. Such restrictions may be imposed due to loan conditions, cultural sensitivities, or requirements of performers or other rights holders. See section Seated Venues for specific requirements relating to photography and recording in the Theatre.
  • The use of tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, additional lighting or similar photography or recording equipment is prohibited unless Powerhouse has provided prior written approval.
  • Any commercial photography, filming or professional recording undertaken at Powerhouse requires prior written approval. Visitors seeking to undertake such activities must contact Powerhouse before their visit to obtain approval.
  • In the case of photographing, filming or otherwise recording for commercial purposes people within Powerhouse premises, express permission must be obtained from all identifiable people, or their legal guardians.
  • Visitors must not publish, distribute, reproduce, sell, license or otherwise commercially exploit photographs or recordings of the Powerhouse Collection (opens in new tab), exhibitions or sites without prior written consent from Powerhouse. Where photographs or recordings include material protected by copyright or other intellectual property rights, visitors are responsible for obtaining any permissions or clearances required for their intended use.
  • Visitors who create content on Powerhouse premises, including photographs, videos, data recordings or audio recordings (User Generated Content), and subsequently upload, post, publish or share that content on a digital platform, including social media, consent to Powerhouse and its commercial and other partners using the User Generated Content anywhere in the world and in any manner. This includes re-sharing or reposting the User Generated Content. Your consent is perpetual, irrevocable and worldwide, and you will not be entitled to any payment or other compensation for that use.

Code of Conduct

  • Visitors must behave in a manner that is safe, respectful and considerate of other visitors, staff, volunteers and the Powerhouse Collection.
  • The following conduct is not permitted on Powerhouse sites:
    • touching exhibits or displays, unless clearly signed as interactive
    • running, climbing, or engaging in unsafe or disruptive behaviour
    • smoking or vaping anywhere on site
    • consumption of alcohol outside licensed or approved areas
    • consumption of illicit drugs
    • abusive, threatening, discriminatory or harassing language or behaviour towards any person.
  • Visitors are required to:
    • comply with all directions given by Powerhouse staff and security at all times
    • ensure that any equipment and furniture provided for visitors is used only for its intended purpose
    • inform staff immediately if they become aware of risk or potential risk to people or property.

Children & Unaccompanied Minors

  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied and actively supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Parents and guardians are responsible for the conduct and safety of all legal minors (that is, people under-18 year old) in their care while on Powerhouse sites.
  • Certain exhibitions, programs or areas may carry specific age recommendations or restrictions and visitors must comply with these restrictions. Additional supervision requirements apply to the Powerhouse Academy – see section Powerhouse Academy & Residency – Powerhouse Parramatta.
  • All Powerhouse staff engaging with children across our sites and programs hold a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC) in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) (opens in new tab). Our programs are delivered in accordance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the Powerhouse Child Safe Policy.

Assistance Animals

  • Accredited assistance animals – including guide dogs and other support animals – are welcome across all Powerhouse sites.
  • Powerhouse may ask for reasonable evidence of accreditation where an assistance animal’s role is not readily apparent.
  • Other than accredited assistance animals, animals are not permitted on Powerhouse sites, except at specific events where this is expressly stated.

Rooftop & Event Spaces – Powerhouse Parramatta

  • The rooftop garden and other designated spaces are available for private events, subject to separate event hire agreements.
  • The rooftop garden is home to a telescope used for public and school stargazing sessions. These sessions are weather-dependent and may be modified, shortened or cancelled at short notice – see section Weather & Outdoor Areas.
  • Visitors must not touch, adjust or operate the telescope or associated equipment except under the direct supervision of Powerhouse staff.
  • Children must be supervised at all times around the telescope and rooftop equipment, in addition to the general requirements of section Children & Unaccompanied Minors.
  • For safety, the telescope area may have restricted capacity; entry may be staged in small groups at staff discretion.
  • Event attendees must comply with these Conditions of Entry in addition to any specific terms in their event booking or hire agreement.
  • The rooftop is an outdoor space and is subject to the weather provisions in section Weather & Outdoor Areas, including possible relocation, postponement or cancellation for safety reasons.
  • Capacity limits apply to all event spaces for safety reasons and will be advised to hirers and attendees at the time of booking.
  • Alcohol may be served at licensed events in accordance with the venue’s liquor licence conditions. Intoxicated patrons will be refused service and may be refused entry or removed, consistent with section Liability.
  • Noise restrictions may apply to rooftop and outdoor events in accordance with the Museum’s development consent and to minimise impact on neighbouring properties. Event organisers must comply with any curfew or noise-management conditions advised at the time of booking.
  • Commercial and private event hirers are subject to separate hire agreements covering bump-in/bump-out, security, insurance, cleaning and damage-liability obligations, in addition to these Conditions of Entry.

Seated Venues

  • Where seating is allocated, patrons must be seated in their allocated seat unless directed otherwise by staff.
  • Latecomers may not be admitted to the venue until a suitable break in the performance or program, at the discretion of Powerhouse staff.
  • Photography, filming and audio recording are not permitted during events/performances, unless expressly authorised in advance by Powerhouse and the relevant performer or rights holder – this overrides the general photography position in section Photography, Filming & Recording.
  • Mobile phones and other devices should be switched to silent for the duration of any event.
  • Food and beverages, other than sealed water, are not permitted in the theatre auditorium, consistent with section Food & Drink, unless otherwise signposted.
  • If a performance is cancelled or significantly altered, ticket holders may be offered a refund or exchange – see Booking Terms & Conditions.

Powerhouse Academy & Residency – Powerhouse Parramatta

  • Powerhouse Academy offers a residential program for school-age students, including overnight accommodation.
  • Enrolment in an Academy program requires a parent or guardian to complete and sign a consent and medical information form prior to a student’s arrival, including emergency contact details and any relevant medical, dietary or access requirements.
  • All Powerhouse Academy staff and volunteers working directly with students hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW) (opens in new tab).
  • Powerhouse maintains a minimum staff-to-student supervision ratio throughout residential programs, appropriate to the age of participants and consistent with relevant NSW guidelines for supervised youth accommodation.
  • Students are expected to comply with the Academy’s code of conduct at all times, including designated curfew times, respectful behaviour towards staff and peers, and directions from supervising staff.
  • Alcohol, illicit drugs, vaping and smoking are strictly prohibited for all student participants at all times during a residential program.
  • Visits to student accommodation areas by family members or other visitors must be pre-arranged with Academy staff and are not permitted outside designated visiting hours.
  • In the event of illness, injury or a significant behavioural incident, Powerhouse will contact the student’s parent or guardian using the emergency contact details provided at enrolment.
  • Room inspections may be conducted by Powerhouse Academy staff and security for safety and welfare and purposes.
  • Fire and emergency evacuation procedures will be communicated to all students and staff at the commencement of a residential program; students must comply with these procedures at all times.
  • Powerhouse reserves the right to send a student home, at the parent or guardian’s cost, for serious or repeated breaches of the Academy code of conduct, consistent with section Right to Refuse Entry or Removal.
  • Any damage to Academy accommodation or facilities caused by a student may be recovered from the student’s parent or guardian.
  • The Powerhouse Academy residency (this section) is separate from the Museum’s guest residences for visiting artists, researchers and other guests, which are governed by their own terms.

Café & Restaurant

  • Café and restaurant facilities at Powerhouse sites are open to the public and may be accessed without a museum admission ticket, subject to their opening hours.
  • Food allergies or dietary requirements must be communicated to relevant café or restaurant operator before placing an order. The operator is responsible for providing advice on their menu and for managing any allergy or dietary request in accordance with their own food safety and allergen procedures.
  • The general Code of Conduct applies to all café and restaurant patrons.
  • Outside food and beverages must not be brought into café or restaurant seating areas.
  • Food and beverage services, including the service of alcohol, are provided by the relevant café or restaurant operator, who is responsible for complying with applicable food safety, liquor licensing and Responsible Service of Alcohol requirements. In accordance with NSW liquor laws, the relevant operator may refuse service of alcohol or entry to or continued presence within licensed premises, where a person is intoxicated.

Health, Safety & Security

  • Powerhouse is committed to providing a safe environment for all visitors, staff, volunteers and the Collection.
  • In the event of an emergency, visitors must follow the directions of Powerhouse staff and emergency services at all times.

Right to Refuse Entry or Removal

  • Powerhouse reserves the right to refuse entry to, or to remove, any visitor who breaches these Conditions of Entry, poses a safety risk, or engages in conduct that is disorderly, threatening, abusive or otherwise unacceptable.
  • This right may be exercised at any time, without prior notice, at the discretion of Powerhouse staff or security.

Liability

  • Visitors enter or use Powerhouse sites at their own risk and acknowledge that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Powerhouse is not responsible for any loss, damage, harm or injury arising from your entry to the premises.

Privacy & CCTV

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Conditions of Entry, or would like help planning your visit, please phone (02) 9217 0111.

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