Entertainment · Books & Arts · 3 hrs ago
Powerhouse Parramatta faces scrutiny ahead of its opening
Powerhouse Parramatta is due to open in western Sydney on November 7.
The museum is a major project for the Powerhouse, which also operates a site in Ultimo.
Its opening comes amid scrutiny of costs and management.
The chief executive, Lisa Havilah, has left, and the state arts minister has disclosed a formal misconduct investigation involving two executives.
Several projects have faced delays or criticism, including a cookery book that will not be finished in time for the opening and a documentary costing more than $1.7 million.
Visitors will pay extra for some experiences, with a family of four facing a $60 charge for the largest exhibition and another $40 for an optional James Turrell installation.
The museum has announced five opening exhibitions, but the sources do not say what happens after opening day.
Powerhouse Parramatta is due to open on November 7, as the museum faces scrutiny over its costs, plans and management.
The museum has announced five opening exhibitions and ticket prices, including $60 for a family of four to see its largest show.
A separate James Turrell installation will cost an additional $40.
The scrutiny follows the sudden departure of chief executive Lisa Havilah and the disclosure of a formal misconduct investigation involving two executives.
Arts Minister John Graham has defended his oversight of the billion-dollar project.
- Who
- Powerhouse Parramatta and the people overseeing the museum project, including Arts Minister John Graham.
- What
- The museum faces scrutiny ahead of its opening, amid questions about costs, management and project oversight.
- When
- It is due to open on November 7, 2026.
- Where
- Parramatta, Sydney, Australia.
- Why
- The sources report scrutiny over the project, the sudden departure of chief executive Lisa Havilah and misconduct allegations involving two executives.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
An SMH article reported that chief executive Lisa Havilah’s departure was sudden and shocked even her critics.
An SMH analysis described challenges facing the Powerhouse with or without Havilah.
The SMH reported that the museum had announced its opening exhibitions and ticket details.
Powerhouse Parramatta is scheduled to open.
- Opening date
- November 7, 2026
- Family ticket
- $60 for a family of four to see the largest show
- James Turrell installation
- $40 as an add-on
- Misconduct investigation
- Two Powerhouse executives
- Project cost
- Described by Arts Minister John Graham as a billion-dollar project
What people are saying
document the project for future generations
fair and timely