Powerhouse Museum Sydney
Sydney's iconic Powerhouse Museum blends history, science, and design with free entry and captivating immersive experiences.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Extended hours for a relaxed visit
Powerhouse Museum Sydney
Best Time
Extended hours for a relaxed visit

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sydney's iconic Powerhouse Museum blends history, science, and design with free entry and captivating immersive experiences.
"A free gem in Sydney, offering everything from vintage machines to dazzling light mazes!"
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy most exhibitions for free. Some special events may require tickets.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the levels and exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kaleidoscope Maze
Ultimo Location
Step into a dazzling world of mirrors, lights, and sound for a multi-sensory adventure.

1001 Remarkable Objects
Ultimo Location
Explore a vast collection showcasing the evolution of design, technology, and culture.

Steam Revolution
Ultimo Location
Discover the power of steam with fascinating machinery and interactive displays.

Darkfield Experience
Ultimo Location
An intense, immersive auditory experience in complete darkness – not for the faint-hearted!
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Redevelopment
Plan for Immersive Experiences
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy most exhibitions for free. Some special events may require tickets.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the levels and exhibits.
📅 Check Exhibition Schedule
Special exhibitions and immersive experiences change. Book tickets in advance!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Events
Some special events, like the Kaleidoscope Maze, allow dogs!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free General Admission!
Enjoy most exhibitions for free. Some special events may require tickets.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the levels and exhibits.
📅 Check Exhibition Schedule
Special exhibitions and immersive experiences change. Book tickets in advance!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Events
Some special events, like the Kaleidoscope Maze, allow dogs!
🚗 Consider Public Transport
Easily accessible via train to Town Hall or Gadigal stations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Powerhouse Museum for its free general admission and diverse range of engaging exhibits, from historical artifacts to modern installations. Many highlight the interactive elements and special immersive experiences as major draws. However, some note that certain areas might be under renovation due to ongoing redevelopment, and ticketed events can add to the overall cost.
"Stumbled across this museum on a walk. I had great fun exploring it. There are tonnes of interesting exhibits, including trains, fashion, furniture, planes, science, space, and music.
It is a great place to bring children.
Entry is free.
The museum is fully disability accessible. There are accessible toilets. There are wheelchairs for hire, but these are limited, so it is best to call in advance."
Shelley C
"It's amazing display of a museum.
So many things to see from its different eras of products.
There are four levels of buildings to see. Don't worry, they provide escalators and lifts!
Toilets and shop including cafe (try their orange cake!)
To visit this museum by bus 501 from Central or just walk from Chinatown (paddy's market).
Note : come now before they will renovate it on next February.
Free of charge."
Marko Smith
"Located at 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺.
This was a really great day visiting Powerhouse Museum. It has a wonderful range of artifacts ranging from Movie Memorabilia, Space Travel Memorabilia and Australian Railroads Memorabilia to so much more. I found it so interesting and couldn’t recommend enough."
Nerine Cummins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train stations are Town Hall and Gadigal. Buses also run frequently to the area.
Driving is an option, but parking can be limited and expensive.While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the museum, there are several public car parks nearby in the Ultimo and Darling Harbour areas. It's often recommended to use public transport due to potential parking challenges.
Yes, absolutely! The museum is well-served by public transport. Train stations like Town Hall and Gadigal are within walking distance, and numerous bus routes stop nearby.
From the Sydney CBD, you can walk (about 15-20 minutes), take a short bus ride, or catch a train to Town Hall station, which is a short walk from the museum.
Yes, the Powerhouse Museum is close to Darling Harbour, the Goods Line (a popular pedestrian walkway), and the Australian Museum. You can easily combine your visit with other Sydney attractions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission to the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo is free for adults and children year-round. However, some special exhibitions or immersive experiences may have a separate ticket price.
General entry is free. Ticket prices apply only to specific, limited-edition exhibitions or immersive experiences like the Kaleidoscope Maze.
For general admission, booking is not usually required as it's free. However, for popular ticketed exhibitions or immersive experiences, it's highly recommended to book in advance online to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary, especially during redevelopment phases. It's best to check the official Powerhouse Museum website for the most up-to-date opening hours and any potential closures before your visit.
While general admission is free, discounts may apply to specific ticketed exhibitions. It's advisable to check the museum's website or inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the '1001 Remarkable Objects' collection, the 'Steam Revolution' exhibit, and often temporary immersive experiences like the 'Kaleidoscope Maze' or 'Darkfield'.
Yes, the museum is very family-friendly with interactive displays and engaging exhibits that appeal to children of all ages.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted in most areas, but always check for specific signage regarding restrictions, especially in temporary exhibitions.
Information on guided tours can vary. It's best to check the museum's official website or inquire at the information desk upon arrival for current tour schedules and availability.
Darkfield is an immersive, 360-degree auditory experience held in complete darkness, often described as a seance. It's a unique and intense experience, but not recommended if you are easily scared.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Powerhouse Museum typically has a cafe or dining facilities on-site offering refreshments and light meals. Check their website for current offerings.
Generally, you can bring your own food and drinks to consume in designated areas, but it's always best to confirm the museum's specific policy upon arrival.
The museum is located in Ultimo, which has a variety of cafes and restaurants nearby. You can also find numerous dining options in the adjacent Darling Harbour precinct.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the Powerhouse Museum. However, always look for signage indicating restricted areas, especially for temporary exhibitions or sensitive displays.
The 'Kaleidoscope Maze' offers incredibly vibrant and unique photo opportunities due to its mirrored and light-filled environment. Many of the exhibits, especially those with historical artifacts or futuristic designs, also make for great shots.
Flash photography is often discouraged or prohibited in museums to protect the artifacts and exhibits from damage. It's best to avoid using flash unless explicitly permitted.
Visiting during weekday mornings or on Thursday evenings when the museum is open late can offer fewer crowds, making it easier to capture photos without many people in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special family-friendly events and workshops, especially during school holidays. The museum's layout is generally spacious, making it manageable with strollers, and the variety of content ensures there's something to hold every child's attention.
💰 Budget Travelers
While general entry is free, be mindful that some special exhibitions or unique experiences like the 'Kaleidoscope Maze' do have a ticket price. If you're on a tight budget, focus on the free permanent collections and enjoy the incredible value this museum offers.
✨ Couples & Date Nights
For a truly memorable experience, book tickets for one of the museum's immersive events, like the 'Darkfield' auditory experience or the visually stunning 'Kaleidoscope Maze.' These unique activities can spark conversation and create lasting memories.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Powerhouse Museum's Redevelopment
Despite the redevelopment, the museum continues to offer a diverse range of exhibitions, from historical artifacts and scientific displays to contemporary art and design. The commitment to preserving the Ultimo site alongside plans for a new Powerhouse Parramatta ensures that this iconic institution remains accessible and relevant for future generations.
Immersive and Interactive Experiences
Another notable experience is 'Darkfield,' an auditory adventure that plunges participants into total darkness for a unique and often unsettling journey. These ticketed events often require advance booking due to their popularity and limited capacity. They represent the museum's commitment to offering dynamic and memorable encounters with art, science, and technology, appealing to a wide range of interests and age groups.
Family Fun and Free Admission
From interactive science displays to historical artifacts and engaging temporary exhibitions, there's always something to capture a child's imagination. The museum's spacious layout and varied collections ensure that children can explore at their own pace, making it a relaxed and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit