Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Powerhouse Museum
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This former Power Station, completed in 1902 to
provide power for Sydney's tramway system,
was redesigned to cater for the needs of a
modern, hands-on museum. Revamped, the
Powerhouse opened in 1988. The early
collection was held in the Garden Palace
hosting the 1879 international exhibition of
invention and industry from around the
world
(see pp26-7)
. Few exhibits survived
the devastating 1882 fire, and today's huge
and ever-expanding holdings were gathered after this
disaster. The buildings' monumental scale provides an
ideal context for the epic sweep of ideas encompassed
within: everything from the realm of space and technol-
ogy to the decorative and domestic arts. The museum
emphasizes Australian innovations and achievements,
celebrating both the extraordinary and the everyday.
Silver cricket
trophy
Sokol KV-2 spacesuit
The Space exhibition has all
kinds of space equipment and
various displays, such as the
unique “zero g” experience.
Level 2
SoundHouse Vectorlab
The Vectorlab houses digital media studios where
visitors can create their own music and images.
Cyberworlds: Computers
and Connections
This display explores the past,
present and future of
computers. Pictured here
are Japanese tin toy robots.
MUSEUM GUIDE
The museum is two buildings:
the former powerhouse and the
Neville Wran building. There
are over 20 exhibitions on four
levels, descending from Level 4.
The shop, entrance and main
exhibits are on Level 3. Level 2
has thematic exhibits. Level 1
has experiments and displays
on space, computers, sound
technology and transport.
KEY TO FLOORPLAN
Level 4: Indigenous
Level 3: Inspired! Design
Across Time
Level 2: Social History & Design
Level 1: Science & Technology
Level 1
Non-exhibition space
