Overview
Powerhouse Museum's long-awaited Parramatta site is on the way, and the ambitious Western Sydney space is finally beginning to take shape. With an opening date set for 2025, the Powerhouse team has just announced that the museum will have an increased food and drink focus, including exciting themed programs.
Powerhouse is currently taking expressions of interest from folks in the hospitality industry to partner with the museum, with the venue seeking collaborators to create unique and adventurous explorations of food when the Parramatta site opens in two years' time.
While things are clearly still in the early stages of planning, visitors can expect themed food and beverage offerings that are integrated into the museum's exhibitions, plus a dedicated demonstration kitchen hosting innovative food science programs.
"The retail food and beverage program will be concept-driven, collaborative and embedded into the Powerhouse program of exhibitions and programs alongside major events and festivals. It will also truly integrate Powerhouse Parramatta with its surrounds, connecting with the city physically, socially and economically," said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.
"As a Parramatta resident, I've seen the local hospitality scene transform with an explosion of great new restaurants and local cafes," added Powerhouse Trustee David Borger. "I'm excited to see how this partnership between the museum and leaders in the hospitality scene will take shape and present a new approach that represents the incredible cultural diversity of Western Sydney."
Alongside the retail offering, the Vitocco Family Kitchen will reside within the museum, seating 200 people in auditorium-style seating in front of the demonstration area. Powerhouse Parramatta hopes to attract chefs and industry leaders from across Australia and the world to present in the space.
Render of Powerhouse's Parramatta site
Set to spread across 18,000 square metres of museum exhibition and public space, Powerhouse Parramatta will be located on the banks of the Parramatta River. When it's finished, it's expected that the new venue will attract two million visitors per year, with Powerhouse Board of Trustees President Peter Collins AM QC calling it "Australia's very own Smithsonian".
In the meantime, make sure to listen to the Powerhouse Museum's stunning Culinary Archives podcast hosted by Lee Tran Lam — and lock in time to visit some of our favourite Parramatta spots that exemplify Western Sydney's impressive hospitality scene, including Circa Espresso, Lilymu, Fratelli Pulcinella, Misc, Pho Pasteur, Nick & Nora's and Temasek.
Powerhouse Museum Parramatta is set to open on Phillip Street in 2025. Head to the venue's website for further details.
Images: renders of Powerhouse's Parramatta site.