sydney’s powerhouse ultimo museum to undergo major renovation

combining the old and new in sydney

Powerhouse Ultimo — a contemporary museum in the heart of Sydney and a major branch of the city’s Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences — is slated to undergo a transformative renovation. The project will celebrate the best of its past with innovative museum exhibition and educational spaces, following the announcement of the winning architectural design for its renewal.

The concept — designed by Australian team Architectus, Durbach Block Jaggers Architects, Tyrrell Studio, Youssofzay + Hart, Akira Isogawa, Yerrabingin, Finding Infinity and Arup — has been chosen to deliver a visionary world-class museum for the people of New South Wales. The team’s submission for the museum was unanimously selected by an expert jury following a national Design Competition, which commenced earlier this year.

images © Powerhouse Ultimo

an expanded powerhouse ultimo

The design of the renovated Powerhouse Ultimo contains expanded exhibition spaces, including international museum standard galleries for immersive exhibitions and learning programs. A new urban space connecting the museum to The Goods Line will create a major new public square for Sydney, increasing open public space that will support outdoor programs. The Harris Street frontage will be revitalized with creative studios that will support education and industry programs and will create new opportunities to access to the museum’s library and archive.

Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said the Powerhouse Ultimo renewal will reinvigorate one of Australia’s most revered museums, offering incredible museum experiences and expanded exhibition spaces that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse collection. The design will enable the museum to showcase international exclusive exhibitions and programs that support the creative industries.

‘I am thrilled with the jury’s unanimous decision, which will be the foundation of a dynamic and active museum precinct in the heart of Sydney’s CBD for communities to connect, for families to enjoy and creative industries to thrive,’ comments Franklin.

‘I am particularly excited for the new Powerhouse Academy, which will offer a rooftop camp for secondary and tertiary students from regional NSW and beyond, providing an immersive learning experience in the heart of the city. This will provide a range of new opportunities for young people right across the State to engage with and explore the Powerhouse Ultimo’s internationally renowned exhibitions.’