The Act
The purpose and activities of the Powerhouse Museum are directed by the legislation of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Act (1945).
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Act (1945)
Since its inception Powerhouse Museum has been intrinsically connected to community and industry. By folding time, reinforcing the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Act 1945 and reckoning with our history, we recognise Powerhouse Museum as ‘a vitalising force’ (Arthur Penfold, 1945), ‘known for its unique reputation for the services it renders to industry’ (Penfold, 1937) and ‘of interest and lasting service to the mass population’ (The Technological, Industrial and Sanitary Museum Annual Report, 1881).
Powerhouse Museum will effectively minister to the needs and demands of the community in any or all branches of applied science and art and the development of industry.
The objectives include:
- display of selected objects arranged to illustrate the industrial advance of civilisation and the development of inventions and manufactures;
- promotion of craftsmanship and artistic taste by illustrating the history and development of the applied arts;
- lectures, broadcasts, films, publications and other educational means;
- scientific research and any other means necessary or desirable for the development of the natural resources and manufacturing industries of New South Wales.
Annual Reports
Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Trust 2025
Powerhouse Museum is operated and maintained by the Trustees of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, which is constituted as a body corporate under the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences Act 1945 (the ‘Act’). The Act provides for the appointment of nine trustees. Trustees are appointed by the Governor of New South Wales on the nomination of the Minister for the Arts for a term of up to three years. They may serve for a maximum of three full terms.
