DK Travel : Sydney : Powerhouse Museum

Powerhouse Museum

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One of Sydney’s most distinguished and popular cultural institutions, the museum’s extensive science and design collection is thought-provoking, quirky and interactive. You could sit in an electric chair, match wits with an encryption machine, or play catch-up with an industrial robot. The Powerhouse also hosts a superb series of exhibitions on a wide range of subjects. Their publishing wing produces an excellent catalogue of books, brochures and CDs, and the shop is packed with intevresting objects.
Pick up a copy of Ecologic: Creating a Sustainable Future by Sandra McEwen, available at the Powerhouse Shop. The excellent book by Michael Mobbs, The Sustainable House , is also available at the Powerhouse Shop.

Top 10 Exhibits

1. Experimentations

This interactive exhibit explores scientific and technological breakthroughs that have altered our understanding of daily phenomena. Come find out how a battery works, why a freezer door sticks, and much more.
2. Cyberworlds

At this exhibit, meet Robot from the 1960s Lost in Space TV series, or chat with Charles Babbage, the inventor of 1832’s mechanical computer.
3. Inspired! Design Across Time

This new permanent exhibition draws from the museum’s extensive collection of Australian and international decorative arts and design, including a Minton & Co. peacock from c. 1875.
4. EcoLogic

Sustainable options for houses are explored in this innovative display, which demonstrates the relationship between homes and the natural environment. It examines alternative building approaches and materials, such as recycled timbers and aerated concrete bricks.
5. Hargrave’s Box Kites

Lawrence Hargrave (see Double Bay) joined four box kites and lifted himself 4.8 m (16 ft) off the ground in 1894. The kites’ stability provided the basis for future aircraft designs.
6. Kings Cinema

At this beautiful, miniature Art Deco cinema, you might discover old newsreels or enjoy a classic silent film.
7. Space

Ever wondered what’s inside a cosmonaut’s hygiene kit? Or asked how the space shuttle crew took showers? While you find out the answers, check out the Soviet moon walker and Organic Satellite Model.
8. The Steam Revolution

Check out the enormous 1785 Boulton and Watt engine, the oldest surviving wheel-turning engine in existence. The steam engine actually produces less power than the engine of a small car.
9. Success & Innovation

The computer sock, aluminum pop-top can and black box flight recorder are just some of the Australian inventions profiled here. Don’t miss the TV commercial for computer socks featuring “Sir Isaac Newton”.
10. Transport

Beneath the Catalina flying boat, a collection of railway exhibits includes an old signal box, Locomotive 1243 and the destination board used at Central Station from 1906–82.

Practical Information

Get a foccacia, salad, pasta or an excellent coffee from Lush Bucket at 623 Harris Street. Alternatively, take a bag lunch to Tumbalong Park by Darling Harbour. There are shaded seats outside the Chinese Garden. If you think you can get through the collection in one hour, put on your running shoes: entry is free after 4pm. 500 Harris St, Darling Harbour 9217 0111 www.powerhousemuseum.com Open 10am–5pm daily Adult/child/family $10/ $5/$25