Powerhouse is custodian to more than half a million objects of national and international significance and considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in the world.
For the first time in the museum's 140 year history, the entire collection is housed in the one location. It includes the Powerhouse Archives comprised of hundreds of Collected Archives and the Powerhouse Institutional Archives, which date from 1880.
Powerhouse Castle Hill is the storehouse for the Powerhouse Collection supporting research and conservation, presenting exhibitions and programs.
For the first time in the museum's 140 year history, the entire collection of more than half a million objects of national and international significance will be housed in the one location.
The facilities are purpose-built to present new exhibitions and programs and support the work of the museum’s curatorial, research and conservation teams alongside the Powerhouse Collection.
Building J, the newest and largest (8135sqm) of seven collection facilities, opened in 2024. It includes a huge presentation space, climate-controlled collection store and conservation lab, research workspaces and photography studios, all designed to help protect and share the objects’ stories across the generations.
Powerhouse museum is delivering a transformative $1.2 billion renewal program across its four sites.
Powerhouse commissioned architectural photographer Rory Gardiner to create a series of images of the expansion of Powerhouse Castle Hill. A new state-of-the-art building houses Powerhouse collections and supports research, conservation and programs.
