With the cost of everything going up, it's nice that Sydney still has entertainment and educational venues that are free. One fantastic attraction is the Powerhouse Museum in the Ultimo district in Sydney's CBD. With nostalgic, scientific, artistic, & hands-on exhibits, you can easily spend 2-3 hours here. There's areas for kids as well. read more

Powerhouse Museum - Glowing chandelier (under blue light) - Museums Near Me - Ultimo, NSW

Was lucky enough to bag a couple of tickets through a Yelp giveaway to the MAASive Lates: Circus Follies event earlier this year. Was a fab evening of circus performances on the big top stage and fun activities - dress up in circus costumes, ride on the carousel, have a go at hula hooping, plate spinning, etc. Inbetween the main performances there was a band playing and we enjoyed drinks from the bar and free popcorn and candy floss, whilst a magician entertained the crowd. We also spent time having a look at the circus exhibits. The night culminated with an exciting fire juggling display outside the front entrance. Really enjoyed the event and think it's a great idea for museums to hold special after hours events that tie in with their temporary exhibitions and bring them to life. Most of the rest of the museum wasn't accessible during the event but I'd seen enough to inspire another visit to check out the museum itself when I returned to Sydney later. As its name suggests, the museum is housed in an old power station building which is a large and spacious venue. The exhibits cover subjects like transport, steam engines, electricity, computers, modelmaking, etc. I was excited to have a poke around the life-sized space shuttle model in the space section, disappointingly part of it was taped off as out of order. Unfortunately, we came across other interactive exhibits elsewhere in the museum that weren't working either. I'd have rated it four stars if it wasn't for this as it's quite an interesting place. read more

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Old, tired and sad. It's a long way off what is regarded as a world class museum. It's mostly an exhibit of old junk with little reference and the interactivity is often broken. Spend your money going to a decent museum. read more

Went here the other night for the Circus extravaganza as part of the Yelp Elite event. There was free popcorn and candy floss. How could you go past free popcorn and candy floss? Well I did, I ducked and weaved past the lovely gentleman giving out bags of popcorn and bee-lined straight for the man covering paddle pops in pink fluffy stuff. He gave me an extra huge serving that I had to feed to my date. Now there's also a cafe adjacent to the museum so if you needed to have a bite that was a bite more substantial you could go and grab something there. Which we did. I got an Italian sausage sammich. Although there was a very thin and lonely looking sausage in a big square of bread, maybe 2 sausages would have been better? Or a smaller bread sammich. Either way the sausage tasted great and went down a treat. We wondered back inside and played with the circus props. I twirled plates like a pro, A PRO I TELLS YOU! My date failed at twirling plates like a pro, so I lamented and gave him my spinning plate which he promptly made fall off the rod. I then decided maybe we should try something else, so we wondered over to the room where there was a show circle which was empty at the time, but there were 2 shows that you could watch, at 6.45 and 7.45. We caught the latter but was too busy shoving my face full of food to catch the 6.45 one. Once you passed this area there was a carousal. A HUGE ONE! Like a proper one. You had to duck and weave through the people trying to hoola hoop (they weren't very good and nearly knocked us out as we trotted past, much laughs were had at their failed hoola on both sides) - my date looked at me weird when I mentioned that I needed to be on said carousal. I sat myself down on a horsey and yelled yeha! Ok, so maybe I didn't yell yeeha, but I thought it... Was much fun and thanks Yelp for a nice night out letting my inner child have a play :) read more

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Great place for kids!!! A lot of fun learning technology from mechanics, electricity, to science to some history of Sydney and NSW. It could use a make over and Im sure that coming when it relocates to Western Sydney. We came during the school holidays and the place was crazy with kids on holiday camps. The light rail stops right near the bottom entry. read more

Definitely the hub of science, art and design in Sydney. Ever changing, an is great for all of those inquisitive people in tandem with a thirst of knowledge for more IQ raising activities. It all makes sense as the world would not be as it is if it wasn't for science, design and even engineering. Sure nothing happens until someone sells something, however nothing also happens unless someone creates something. Great exhibitions for kids and adults alike with a funky cafe upon exiting. The catch is (as always with these places) you need to walk through a shop. Surprisingly they sell some good home wares at this shop too. $17 well spent for a once in a while visit. read more

Powerhouse Museum - History on trains. - Museums Near Me - Ultimo, NSW

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I forgotten how fun museums could be until I walked into the Powerhouse museum. That's right - they design these places to be fun and entertaining! The objective of the Powerhouse is to share with its patrons unique and diverse collections which cover an array of different themes including history, science, technology, design, industry, decorative arts, music, transport and space exploration. Walking around the large open spaces I'm reminded of being a kid - open to new discoveries and fascinating experiments. There are exhibitions you can touch, buttons you can press and you may be suprised how much you're learning whilst having fun. The powerhouse regularly updates their exhibitions with super fun themes - they've just finished an ABBA exhibition which has been replaced with Harry Potter - how cool is that? They do showcase a variety of different collections so I suggest you go online before heading down. Adults cost $10 and kids are $5 and its a really enjoyable way to spend a few hours expanding your mind and discovering your world. read more

Powerhouse Museum - Museums Near Me - Ultimo, NSW

The Powerhouse Museum is a good way to spend a rainy Saturday, entertain visitors or get the kids out of the house. They've got a bunch of great permanent exhibitions on topics such as musical instruments and Australian shopping (yep, I'm a geek), but their temporary exhibitions are what you really come for - they're always fantastic blink-and-you'll-miss-it surprises. The current Love Lace exhibition is a perfect example. With more than 130 contemporary lace works by 134 artists from 20 countries, it's absolutely beautiful and you're guaranteed to find new respect for your nanna's doilies. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for concession and $5 for kids (members and kids under four are free). Getting there and away is super easy; you'll find plenty of buses running along George Street, it's walking distance to Central and you'll get a parking discount for the Entertainment Centre Car Park when you show your ticket to the Museum admissions desk. Keep up-to-date on upcoming exhibitions by signing up at www.powerhousemuseum.com. (Pssst, the Harry Potter exhibition runs from 19 November 2011 to 18 March 2012. Don't tell anyone I said that...) read more

Powerhouse Museum - Love Lace exhibition, The Powerhouse Museum - Museums Near Me - Ultimo, NSW

I really did not get enough time in this sprawling museum. I know that groupon has deals for the powerhouse now and again, i think $7 entry, But we entered at $15/person but it was worth it. There is a wide variety of things to see including space and modes of transportation, a lot of art and special exhibits like the Wiggles. Bring the entire fam! Powerhouse is easy to get to via bus, bike and even lightrail. We enjoyed just walking around and grabbing a coffee in the cafe. read more

The "Powerhouse Museum" in Sydney is a wonderful place. You'll find diverse collections encompassing als sorts of technology including Furniture, Media, Science, Space technology, Computer technology and a lot of more. The Powerhouse Museum has a few unique exhibits including the oldest operational rotative steam engine in the world and the Locomotive No. 1, the first steam locomotive to operate in New South Wales. Another exhibit is the Strasburg Clock Model which still works. It's not only a place to watch, you can also touch and test in a few parts of the Powerhouse Museum. What's very great for kids. For children they have also a Cogs' Playground in the courtyard next by a café. Check out the Homepage for Exhibitions, Events and Workshops. --- Sydney's "Powerhouse Museum" (next to Chinatown and Darling Harbour) is just a couple of minutes' walk along the ramp from Paddy's Market monorail station or the Entertainment Centre carpark. The Powerhouse Museum is currently open from 10.00am - 5.00pm every day except Christmas Day. (Extended opening times for some public and/or school holidays.) Admission charges Adults $10 Concessions $6 Children under 4 FREE Children 4-15 $5 Powerhouse Members FREE NSW Seniors Card holders and pensioners $6 Info 8.12.2009 read more

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This my kind of Museum! Sort of an Air and Space museum. The place has 4 levels each level with very interesting and educational displays. One section on the second level is strictly devoted to space with a mock-up to simulate weightlessness in space. Actual NASA equipment and vehicles are on display. The first level has interactive displays, so a great way to spend a day with the kids. This is a fun filled museum with great displays and very fun and educational for the kids. For the nostalgic, there is an actual replica of the original Lost in Space Robot!! This is a cool museum to check out for the day with or without the kids. Great place and definitely worth a visit. I am not going to mention everything because that would spoil it for you...and we can't have that! read more

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I hate to be the snooty tourist here, but... we came with on a rainy day in August thinking we could get lost here for a day... and left maybe two hours later feeling rather underwhelmed. The visit wasn't bad, mind you. Just not particularly gripping either. Powerhouse is huge and has the look of a place that should hold your attention for hours. There is tons to look at... planes on the ceiling, train cars to walk around, recent design exhibits to browse, even a Mars Rover. The issue is that the exhibits weren't particularly interactive. And those that are interactive appear to have been designed with 1980s design standards. Even the newer exhibits didn't hold our kids' attention for more than a few minutes -- and they love science museums (among others, they had a blast the previous week at Scienceworks in Melbourne). As an example, the coolest exhibit we found was a "make your own fireworks" station, where you stand in line, then spend 5-7 minutes selecting ingredients to design your firework, all to see what it will do. Well, we watched 5 different people go through this process, and in every case the result was something to the effect of "your firework doesn't work. please try again." Granted, Powerhouse was under construction in August, so perhaps the newest exhibits will be better -- and presumably the new layouts will address some of the dark-basement-like feel we encountered. Overall, I'd imagine that Powerhouse is a fun visit for those living nearby, especially when there's a good temporary exhibit on. I just wouldn't recommend it for tourists who are only in town for a short time. Even if it's raining. read more

Woohoo - its always great fun at a circus and even more so when it's the Queer Big Top (Sydney Mardi Gras Program) and hosted by Sydney's top Drag Queens Prada Clutch, Conchitta Grande and the International DJ Kitty Glitter pumping out dance tunes under the big top. Thanks Ben B and the sorting hat for the complementary tickets. The Circus Factory is the latest exhibition of circus costumes and props at the Powerhouse Museum. The costumes and items on display explore ringmasters, performing with animals, acrobats, clowns, dressing room props, accessories and the finishes with a grand parade. I took Sharn G's advice and went on the hunt for the fairy floss man as soon as I arrived. You were right, Mr Floss made me one huge stick of pink cotton candy. It was just like what I got as a kid. I hate today's version usually pre-wrapped in a plastic bag. After a brief introduction to the evenings program and a pole dance by David Aeon (Finalist International Mr Pole Dance 2013), it was time to explore! Firstly, I love circus history! Curator Peter Cox did a fantastic job of talking about the circus costumes including on-loan rarities from the Centre National du Costume de Scène (CNCS) in Moulins, France to Cirque du Soleil 'Saltimbanco' acrobatic outfits to the famous 'White Cockatoo' Flyers costume from Circus Oz. The Dressing Room area features artefacts and never seen before circus treasures. Original Wirth's Circus (one of Australia's most well-known family circuses) tickets and payroll books/journals, Cirque du Soleil make up models. The Grand Parade area showcases more costumes including the Dralion Cirque du Soleil lions costume. So much to see here that I wished for more time . . . except it is SHOWTIME! Drag Queen and Circus Ringmistress Prada Clutch whipped us all into an expectant frenzy as Belladonna ate razorblades then some how managed to thread them all again onto a piece of thread with her mouth - simply amazing! After this performance it was a question of what to choose next? Maybe it was time to dress up then have a selfie or two at the photo booth. When was the last time you went to the dress-up box? The circus atmosphere was enhanced with lots of wandering performers and clowns mingling with the guests. Time is going by so quickly - a good indication that you're having fun! A quick lesson on how to do the hoola hoop movement, with one then adding more hoops. Hahaha, I was hopeless! Next a ride on the100 year-old carousel from Craig Robson's Fairground Follies collection. Old world charm as the carousel twirls to the sound of its piped organ and spinning lights. This is a highlight to see and ride. My program tells me that is time for the Showtime finale in the Big Ring. The first Showtime performance is by the lovely, voluptuous Conchetta Grande who sang" Sweet Transvestite" (Glee version) then Samantha Jade's song " What You've Done To Me". Drum rolls and Prada Clutch announces that Belladonna is back again - this time doing wild acts of levitation! She blows bubbles around the room. She blows one and covers it with her silk cloth - suddenly the cloth starts to float up as the bubble makes it rise. Hmmm how does she do that? I was in the front row and I couldn't work it out. No strings here! Belladonna isn't finished yet as she lights a candle sitting on top of her magician's table.Suddenly the magician's table starts to rise up off the floor - Triple amazing. . Lots of cheering and applause fore that trick. The final act for the evening is by David Aeon who performed pole dancing at the beginning of the night. David entertains us all with breath taking feats on the dangling sash of material that is suspended from the roof. Plenty of twist and turns, ankle dives with no net and aerial feats show this young performers agility and strength. "Well that's it folks" Prada commands. The audience moans sadly and gives a collective sigh. "Did you all enjoy yourselves?" Ring mistress Prada enquires. We all scream back "YES!!!" What a great night at the museum. I hope that the Powerhouse Museum will do many more. Don't miss this exhibition if you love the circus world. It goes until May 2015. read more

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The Powerhouse Museum is home to some of the coolest gizmo's and gadgets in Australia - pure geek enlightenment. It's Sydney's most interactive and largest museums. As you enter, you'll be welcomed by beautiful post-modern architecture, with flowing natural light over 3 levels. It's a great place to spend a few hours of your time, and if you're travelling with kids, let them loose in the playground, while you can watch on from the cafe. The displays enthral with interactive models of computer socks, cochlear implants, designs of transportation, decorative, and social history, australian exploration, design, and even advertising history. Recently it's been an incredibly popular home of the Harry Potter exhibition, featuring props and costumes from the stella movie franchise. read more

Lots of interesting things to see and do here, and every school holiday period there is a new drop in program of things to make and create (kids of all ages). Plus workshops for school aged kids (book in advance). The Wiggles exhibit is a long standing favourite for my son and his friends, with a few interactive displays (chopping up "fruit salad, yummy yummy"). I can't get my head around the Magic Garden though. It is sponsored by the Bupa Health Foundation, with the aim of helping kids understand making good food choices. Realistically it is a digital, plasticky, noisy, led light filled exhibit in the basement with no natural light and I think that its a stretch to give it any educational value. The digital Koi pond is cool though. read more

OMG! I'm like a full grown nerdy girl in a geeks only candy shop... or technology/design museum. I almost didn't make it to Powerhouse, but with an hour and a half left on my way back from the zoo and my last full day in Sydney, I figured I'd give it a shot. The gal at the counter ensured I knew there was only an hour left before they closed. She then asked me if I was more interested in science or design. I said science. She suggested I start out on the bottom floor and work my way up from there to ensure I was seeing things I was most interested in first. Right off the escalator, I find an exhibit with all of the computers and storage devices I grew up with. Talking about the dark digital age and how we preserve memories, etc. I wrote a blog post about that very thing a few years back! Me and Powerhouse obviously struck it off right off the bat! I spent about 1/2 hr on the bottom floor, then whizzed through the other floors... only to come back down to the bottom floor for my last 15 minutes. I could've wandered that floor endlessly for a good 2 hours I'm sure. Bottom line - Powerhouse is right up my alley! read more

This is more of a review of the Harry Potter Exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum than the museum itself. Upon walking in all the memories of primary school excursions came rushing back to me and I thought, should I be feeling a sense of nostalgia? Cos I didn't feel that at all, the thought in my head was how I saw this exact same train in the same position in the lobby 20 years ago and it seemed to be the same boring museum. But back to the exhibition itself - I was very excited to go and see the magical world I had seen in the movies and read in the books come to life but perhaps my expectations were too high. Looking retrospectively I was expecting a Universal Studios The Wizarding World of Harry Potter experience but had to see it inanimate behind glass casing. In saying that, visitors poured in and out of the exhibit constantly. Thanks largely to the crowd control in getting paying visitors to queue in, to get into another queue, and another queue, before getting into a holding pen and introduced to the exhibition in another holding pen and entering another holding pen in the dark before the doors were pulled open and the Hogwarts Express was gleaming in the dry ice mist. If you're looking for a fun day out with the kids, this will kill about 2 hours of your time so make sure you park somewhere where you can get more than 2 hours - street parking in the area is limited to 2 hours and after 3 some areas become bus zones or clearways. If you don't have kids, you may want to wait until the school holidays are over before venturing into the sea of children kicking at your feet. And to gross your kids out, get them a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans for $5 - a bit of a ripoff for 34g. read more

Such a great venue - not looking forward to it moving out to Parramatta as I can't see myself making the trek to see it out there. Here is hoping that they change their mind and keep it in Ultimo. I've been here for so many Yelp events and Powerhouse events. From the circus event recently to the games masters the year before. They just know their customers and seem to be able to cater for all types. Of course the fact that Black Star Pastry is located inside helps, I love their coffee and pastries. read more

Nifty little science museum with an interesting collection of exhibits of everything from classical musical instruments to replicas of the space shuttle. Some of the exhibits need updating since they were obviously installed in the 1980s or early 1990s, and others that were supposed to be interactive were broken or otherwise out of order. But the price is right - my Canadian student card got me in for $8 (regular adult price is $12). And there's still lots to see and do. There are some great airplanes on display, as well as the very first train that ran on rails in Australia, and an original James Watt steam engine. There are lots of hands-on sciencey stations where you (or your kids, if that's your bag) can play with magnets or set up a virtual fireworks display. If you go slowly you should be able to spend about 3 hours here. Don't forget to take a look up at the ceiling, where you can see gantry cranes and other machinery from when this place was an actual powerhouse for the Sydney tram system. read more

Enjoyed spending several hours wandering around this old building. I only wished I had time to have spent reading all the information with the exhibits, but only had one day to cram everything in. Maybe a good reason to return one day read more

My partner and I came here for the MAASive Lates Circus Follies event (thanks Yelp for the free tickets!!). It was great fun wandering around, snacking on free fairy floss and popcorn (which you couldn't take into the main exhibition and fun fair areas - understandable but still boo!). The full size carousel was AMAZING! We had a go on the horses and then another go sitting in one of the carriages so we could be all romantic-like and hold hands...sigh. The live shows with glass walking and nail bed lying and magic were good. The circus costumes exhibition had some colourful and bright stuff. We even got to dress up like circus folk and take selfies. All in all a great event and I hope the Powerhouse Museum puts on more of these special event evening shows/exhibitions in the future. read more

Spent an awesome day at the Powerhouse Museum. The current Game Masters exhibition features 100 playable games and is highly interactive for children of all ages. Highly recommend a visit - perfect for rainy days! read more

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They have some super-cool stuff here, like old trains (where you can see inside of the passenger cabins) and an Apple I computer, among many, many other things. I will say that I found the lack of focus in the museum to be quite strange. One second you're looking at an engine from 150 years ago and the next second you're looking at a low flow shower head. Most of it is really cool and interesting stuff, but there just wasn't much flow to the museum. Also, some of the exhibits didn't work or weren't clear (like the interactive water heating calculator) and in many of the areas the label/text for an exhibit was not very close to the exhibit itself. Once in the gift shop I hoped to find some books related to the exhibits but most of them weren't. Most of them were centered around design/architecture. Nothing that I noticed in the gift shop was related to trains or computers, which is what I was interested in reading more about. Not to mention it feels like you're having to navigate a freeway on foot to be able to get to the front door... Overall there's a lot of cool things on exhibit at this museum but I do feel that the experience is underwhelming due to poor implementation. A shame really! read more

The Powerhouse was hands down, the best museum in Sydney for kids (and adults too) but now they're renovating and have sold themselves out in pursuit of corporate sponsorship. What did they do that was so wrong might you ask? Well, they got rid of Zoe's House. Zoe's House was the ultimate pre-schooler activity. It was a room filled with foam blocks, the rudimentary structure of a house and train trolleys to cart the bricks around. It was an exercise in socialising; it was free play, where kids worked co-operatively to construct something. It had meaning and a purpose. They took turns, had conflicts and resolved them. It was quiet and industrious at best and a little heated at worst. My mini Doozer cried when he found out it was no longer there. What did they put in its place? A 'Wiggles' Exhibition . We went there today carrying our benefit of the doubt and alas we carried it home with us again. It's loud, colourful, overwhelming and commercial. There are glimmers of the education and interaction that we love about The Powerhouse but if you install multiple screens with Wiggles on, guess what kids will do? They'll watch it. Mesmerised but not engaged. There is still much to love about the Powerhouse though. It's a unique collection of science and design. A trip to the moon or an experiment with magnets sits beside exhibitions about clothing and textiles - it's so eclectic and thoughtful. It's a delightfully interactive space where kids and adults can touch and experiment with what would be forbidden in other Museums. I still love it but I'm mourning the Wiggly off brand departure. Sell outs. The yearly membership is a steal with heaps of member benefits including a members lounge with tea, coffee and biscuits for a discretionary donation. If you park at the nearby Entertainment Centre carpakr, Powerhouse will validate the parking ticket, so that it only costs $12 until midnight! Well worth it if you want to head to Darling Harbour after your Powerhouse visit. There's a shaded outdoor play area with a Santos café, so it's easy to lunch here and not leave. It was once my go to place when the weather was either too hot or too cold - a vast play centre with changing exhibitions and so much to see and do. We just wish Zoe was there. read more

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Ahhh the powerhouse. We used to come here such a lot when the kids were younger. They loved the place. We came so much that we became members years ago and still keep the membership going. Now that the kids are older, they aren't so keen on the place and we don't come nearly as much. Now its just if there is a special exhibition on that we want to see. This latest visit was actually for a Yelp event. We got to see the opening of their new history of underwear exhibit while watching burlesque performances and sipping on some grotesquely overpriced cheap wine. Apart from the rampant price gouging at the bar, it was a great night. Special events aside, this is a really great place to bring kids. If the young ones are bored in the Holidays (or weekends) bring them in. One of the questions Yelp asks about places is whether they are good for kids... I'm slightly disappointed in this case that my options are just yes and no. An "Oh Hell Yes" option would be appropriate here. read more

The Powerhouse Museum hosts some amazing exhibitions, perfectly and apparently effortlessly transforming the corridors of the Museum into exciting and absorbing new worlds. Not that I'm denying the huge effort that often goes into making things appear effortless. This museum exhibits its items so that they are not simply on show, but so that they envelope you into the world of the exhibit. From ABBA to the Wiggles, Star Wars and the Love Lace exhibit, a perfect example is their current Harry Potter exhibition. This temporary exhibit is complete with interactive and performance elements, with real props and set pieces from the films. Walking through the halls, you're reeled into the world of Hogwarts with more than a wand flick of magic. The museum sprawls over many levels and even the permanent exhibits at the Powerhouse are great, remaining worthy of a look each visit. It's great for kids, with many interactive elements, and there are lots of concession prices available as well as a playground and 'pram park'. Some of the exhibits can be pricey (Harry Potter tickets for just under $35), but otherwise it's pretty cheap and I was more than happy to pay this for such a fantastic exhibit. They're undergoing renovations at the moment which is exciting - the idea that this museum could get better is good news, although I'd be equally happy for it to stay exactly the same. read more

Good museum with a wide variety of exhibits to suit kids (and adults) of all ages. Lots of interactive/hands on exhibits over a large sprawling area. Good deal with nearby parking makes getting in and out easy read more

The PowerHouse Museum hosts International exhibitions, with past displays including Princess Diana's wedding gown, Kylie Minogue's performance outfits and a collection of Star Wars memorabilia and props. The museum attracts thousands of students and other visitors through its door every year and has a member program for those who regularly visit. A standard membership for one adult is $75. It is best to invest in a membership only if you frequently visit the museum, otherwise the membership will not be a good use of money. Included in the membership are benefits such as access to the members lounge, free general entry and discounted entry to major exhibitions. Concession rates do apply for students who wish to visit the museum. Unfortunately, the membership does not cover the entry fee to exhibitions which cost more than a general admission ticket. Therefore, purchasing a membership is almost irrelevant as the other exhibitions never (or rarely) change as they are 'permanent exhibitions'. This fact also makes the museum appear a bit outdated. Many customers comment that the museum needs to update its decade old exhibitions in order to attract repeat customers. The area in which the museum is located in (Ultimo) is quite drab and depressing. Parking is ample but is a short walk from the Powerhouse. The layout of the museum is somewhat confusing and cluttered, which can be frustrating at times. Educational content of the museum is highly regarded and receives a lot of press and interest from universities and other educational institutions. read more

The Powerhouse is Sydney's Science museum and one of the main venues during the Science festival week. It's located close to Darling harbour and Central station in Ultimo. Only a short stroll from the City centre, this museum is a must visit for any science fan. I was fascinated at watching the Steam engine demonstration. There is a huge steam engine train from the past and there is also a space centre. This museum is a huge physics lab. It has sound, electricity, light and magnetism demonstrations and examples. They have hourly events and guided tours which are immensely valuable to participate in as you can understand the world we live in, much better. Watch the intricate mechanics of the Strasburg Clock as it chimes every hour and visit the Space station to experience Zero gravity. Watch out for the current exhibitions as it changes every month. The Harry Potter exhibition in Nov 2011 is a world first and I cannot wait to see it. It worth becoming a member if you plan on visiting the museum more than once. You will also receive free entry in to the Observatory and Discovery centre besides exclusive member discounts and preview to events. Plus you will automatically become a Members of Museums Australia Inc, which means you can visit most other museums for free. Discounted parking is available all day if you park at the entertainment centre car park. You will need to take your ticket for validation into the museum to receive the discount. read more

Awesome museum. Like a mix between San Francisco's Exploratoruim and De Young. A great mix of science, history, art, and design. With 4 levels, be prepared to spend at least 2 hours there (bring your walking shoes!). Complementary bag check near the entrance makes it more convenient. Oh and don't forget to look for a 20% off coupon in 'The Official Sydney Guidebook' located at the airport and i centers. read more

Fantastic museum involving different facets of science and technology. The first floor tends to be more in depth ranging from airplane engines used in World War I, to advances in medical technology and equipment overtime, to how transportation has evolved. There are also interactive exhibits which emphasize experimenting with colors, lights, magnetism, and minute amounts of radiation in order to understand how natural phenomena works. The second floor is more creative and artistic. There is an exhibit of protest art, a beautiful jewelry exhibit, a locomotive steam engine. On the third floor there is currently a Colleen Dinnigan exhibit with dresses and evening gowns from her collections. Really exquisite and lovely designs. This museums is good for children but it's just as good for adults. It's not too kiddy (except for the Wiggles Room) or simplified. Very informative and interesting things to learn. read more

The science and technology exhibitions of this museum are very outdated and non-interactive. It was like a museum of what a technology museum used to look like, which is kind of interesting but you can tell it is just a result of under funding. To be fair it looked like all of the kids running around there were having a ball though so I wouldn't totally write the place off, it just isn't exactly full of modern knowledge or fun exhibits if that is what you are looking for. read more

Powerhouse isn't a bad museum at all. Actually, it's quite interesting if you're interested in the development of the city/state/nation and the culture of the country. There's interesting technology sections, transport, clothing and other interesting and quirky things. It will be a shame when it moves to Parramatta. Great for the people who live out west, I guess, but it's a Sydney institution and will be missed in the city. Well worth a visit. read more

We came here on a rainy weekday in November to check out the Harry Potter exhibit. All the brochures suggested buying tickets in advance because "this will sell out!" but we were able to walk up and hand over our money ($35!!!) for admission right away. Before you enter the Harry Potter exhibit, they make you pose for pictures, which they will later try to sell to you for ~$20 in the gift shop. Personally I think these should be complimentary since NO PICTURES ARE ALLOWED INSIDE. There is a large collection of real props and costumes worn in the movies but I don't feel the whole experience was worth the money. Exit through the gift shop. read more

a must see in Sydney. this massive museum has exhibits in engineering, fashion, dc comics, etc. was there for 2.5 hours and still didn't see it all. the only con is the hard to find bathrooms. read more

Powerhouse Museum - Museums Near Me - Ultimo, NSW

Went there for the MASSive late circus follies event. It started from 6pm and ran to 9pm, so we just went there straight after work. It's quite a cool event where they have free pop-corn and candy floss and a dress up area where you can wear circus looking jackets and hats and have your photos taken behind a circus backdrop (basically a selfie area). There was also one of those mirror rooms where it distorts your images. Then there's a 100 year old wooden horse carousels, that definitely brought back some childhood memories. They had a few performances during the evening (3 performances) and I only got to attend the second show where the performer lies on a bed of nails and walks over broken glass. Quite nice and a good way to spend a weekday evening. read more

I love the powerhouse museum. Great for all ages. Perfect for a family outing. Love that it is educational and fun.

My friend was feeling faint and upset on a school trip and was quite sad. The first aid lady whose was supposed to help make her feel better told her that " starving yourself is not the way to lose weight and that you should exercise instead! " this made her even more upset. We can say that we did not enjoy the service and input was not needed. read more

For students, educators and people with a love for knowledge and a fascination with the sciences, design and technology - the Powerhouse Museum is certainly the best place to visit in Sydney. The Powerhouse Museum has a good number of unique and really outstanding exhibits. Their collections include engineering projects, computers, furniture, costumes and a whole lot more! One of the most memorable exhibit for me was the Princess Diana exhibition back in 2007. They even had the royal wedding dress on display. It was absolutely amazing! A wonderful learning experience is guaranteed here at the Powerhouse Museum. Interested? They welcome their guests daily (except for Christmas) from 10:00am to 5:00pm. read more

It sounds like the museum has changed a lot since I worked (via a temping agency) for a few months in the records department way back in 1990 .... index cards, post trolley, paper files, couriers, fax machine ... I loved spending 6 months Down Under and my colleagues at the Powerhouse were very nice to this particular Brit a long way from home. Cheers John, Roy and Ashley wherever you are now! read more