Key features
The revised concept design scheme for the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo Revitalisation was developed by architects Durbach Block Jaggers partnering with Architectus, Tyrrell Studio and Youssofzay + Hart.
The design concept for the revitalisation of the Powerhouse Museum Ultimo responds to community feedback. It includes:
- Four flexible, dynamic exhibition spaces that allow the museum to create and present high quality, internationally leading museum exhibitions across the applied arts and applied sciences and featuring the Powerhouse Collection.
- Conservation of the heritage-listed original Power Station buildings for their ongoing adaptive reuse by the Powerhouse.
- New public domain spaces including a 2,000sqm square at the northern end of The Goods Line, the Post Office Courtyard on Harris Street and an internal courtyard accessible from Macarthur Street.
- Establishing one central, intuitive, and accessible visitor circulation system to access exhibition, program, and education spaces to support a high-quality visitor experience.
- Separating front-of-house and back-of-house operations from exhibition and circulation spaces.
- A newly activated façade along Harris Street, which will improve the museum's contribution to the Ultimo streetscape.
- Dedicated spaces designed for the Powerhouse learning programs, enabling the museum to create immersive educational experiences, workshops and programs catered to students and learners of all ages.
The State Significant Development Application and accompanying Environmental Impact Statement was on public exhibition from 3 to 30 May 2024.
All planning documentation is available to view on the Planning Portal.
Site location
The project is located within the site of the existing Powerhouse Museum Ultimo at 500 Harris Street, Ultimo. This 1.7-hectare site has been home to the museum since 1988.
The State Significant Development Application includes the Ultimo Power Station, Wran building, the former Post Office, Boiler House and Turbine Hall.
Adjacent to the site is the Harwood building, which is not included in this development. It remains in the ownership of the museum and will continue to be used for museum operational purposes.
