The new Powerhouse Parramatta is set to open with the largest exhibition space in Australia, focusing on humanity’s quest to explore outer space. This ambitious exhibition, titled Task Eternal, will feature cutting-edge technology, spaceship components, and the storied history of space exploration. It promises to captivate visitors over a two-year period at the new museum in western Sydney.
Spanning an impressive 2,200 square meters and housed in an 18-meter high space, the exhibition will guide visitors through four distinct sections. Powerhouse CEO Lisa Havilah emphasized the exhibition’s blend of science, technology, and creativity, describing it as a tribute to human ambition. “Task Eternal is an exhibition about our human ambition to get into the sky,” Ms. Havilah shared with 702 ABC Radio Sydney.
A Glimpse into the Future of Space Exploration
Among the exhibition’s highlights is the display of Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg’s spacesuit, marking its first public appearance. Additionally, visitors will have the opportunity to view a prototype of the Roo-ver lunar probe, a project in development for a future mission to the moon in collaboration with the Australian Space Agency.
Adding a creative dimension, the exhibition will showcase artworks by First Nations and international artists, offering unique interpretations of space’s vast dimensions. This blend of art and science aims to inspire and educate visitors about the infinite possibilities of space exploration.
Powerhouse Parramatta: A New Era for Museums
The space exhibition is just one of five major exhibitions planned for the Powerhouse Parramatta’s grand opening in late 2026. Although a specific opening date is yet to be announced, Ms. Havilah confirmed that it will be towards the end of next year. “We don’t have a date as yet, but it’ll be in that very end of next year,” she stated.
All exhibitions at the new museum will be temporary, with durations ranging from one to two years. “There’ll always be new exhibitions and new stories,” Ms. Havilah explained, hinting at a dynamic and ever-evolving museum experience. “We’re just announcing the first one today, which is really exciting, and so over the next year we’ll share the other projects and exhibitions that are coming up.”
Revitalizing Australia’s Museum Landscape
The opening of Powerhouse Parramatta marks a significant milestone for Australia’s flagship science and technology museum, which has been without a physical location since its Ultimo premises closed for major renovations in February 2024. The Ultimo site is expected to reopen to the public in 2027, further expanding the museum’s reach and influence.
This development follows a broader trend of revitalizing cultural institutions across Australia, aiming to engage new audiences and foster a deeper appreciation for science and technology. The move represents a strategic effort to position Powerhouse as a leader in innovative museum experiences, combining traditional exhibits with interactive and immersive elements.
As the countdown to the opening continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to Sydney’s cultural landscape. The Powerhouse Parramatta’s focus on space exploration not only highlights humanity’s enduring fascination with the cosmos but also underscores the museum’s commitment to inspiring future generations of explorers and innovators.
