Did you know Powerhouse is the largest museum group in Australia? It sits at the intersection of the arts, design, science and technology and is custodian to more than half a million objects of national and international significance.
Programs are currently presented at Powerhouse Castle Hill, Phive in Parramatta and Sydney Observatory while the new Powerhouse Parramatta is constructed and Powerhouse Ultimo is revitalised. Here’s what’s coming up, including school holiday programs!
Powerhouse Materials: Textiles
From 28 June, a new series will be launching called Powerhouse Materials. This new series that invites guest curators to explore the Powerhouse Collection through the lens of one material.
Actor and advocate Chloe Hayden will launch the series on 28 June at a free opening event! The day will feature live music, talks, object displays, tours and workshops with guests including Highbreak High co-star Ayesha Madon, content creator Sam Todd andyouth climate director Grace Vegasana. You can register for the opening day here.
View Chloe’s curated objects on display and pick up a self-guided program designed for visitors to journey through the objects and stories while building your own textile work.
The second instalment, Powerhouse Materials: Paper will be with renowned children’s author Andy Griffiths from November 2025.
Entry is free and open to all ages. Find out more.
Powerhouse School Holidays
From July 5 to 20, primary and high school aged kids can learn new skills in engineering, media arts, artificial intelligence in space, exhibition design, and comic design, or enjoy a free drop-in textiles activity for the whole family. There’s something for everyone. Here’s what’s on:
Creative Studio: Comic Design
Dive into the world of comic storytelling in a three-day workshop led by artist Annie Huang and comic writer Christof Bogacs. Students will be guided to sketch and script their own comic strips that blend personal reflection with visual storytelling.
7-9 July, 10am-2pm
Phive, Parramatta
Ages 11-17
$20
Creative Studio: Engineering
Discover how civil, electrical, chemical and computer engineering impact cities in a high-energy, hands-on workshop. Equipped with an Engineering Kit, students will be encouraged to think bigger, build smarter and collaborate with purpose to shape a more innovative and inclusive world.
9-11 July and 16-18 July, 10am-2pm
Phive, Parramatta
Ages 12-16
$20
Creative Studio: Media Arts
Calling all future filmmakers, digital designers and creatives! Step into the world of film, storytelling and digital media in this immersive workshop designed for high school students and dive into the core of media arts: blending screenwriting, character design, AI innovation and visual storytelling.
8-10 July, 10am-2pm
UTS Building 5, Haymarket
Ages 14-18
$20
Creative Studio: AI in Space
AI for Good? Explore the capabilities of artificial intelligence in space in with Space Machines Company, one of Australia’s leading space technology startups. This workshop is for students who are curious about AI and generative tools or are thinking about a career that uses AI, one of the fastest-growing technologies.
14-16 July, 10am-2pm
Powerhouse Castle Hill
Years 10-12, ages 15-18
$20
Powerhouse Academy: Curatorial Kids
Transform a museum exhibition from a concept to reality in this creative and hands-on full-day design workshop. Guided by Powerhouse curators, students will learn about the creative and technical processes involved in making an exhibition come to life.
10 July, 10am-4pm
Powerhouse Castle Hill
Ages 9-12
$10
Powerhouse Materials: Textiles Studio
People of all ages are invited to drop-in to the Textiles Studio, to create their own soft toy inspired by objects from the Powerhouse Collection. Experiment with remnant and deadstock fabrics, while discovering new techniques and connections to textiles.
Every weekend between 5-20 July, 10am-4pm
Powerhouse Castle Hill
All Ages
Free
