Powerhouse Parramatta Topping Out

Powerhouse Parramatta is one of the most significant new museums in the world and the first major cultural institution built in Western Sydney. Located on the banks of the Parramatta River, at the heart of one of Australia’s fastest growing and most culturally diverse regions, it will become one of the largest museums in the country.

On 30 May 2025, a major construction milestone was celebrated at Powerhouse Parramatta — the final topping out of the west building, marking the new museum reaching its full 75m height. This long held construction tradition was observed by the ceremonial placement of an Australian pine tree at the highest point of the structure by project construction partner Lendlease.

This achievement follows significant museum milestones including the completion of the striking steel exoskeleton made up of more than 1300 custom-shaped W, A, N and X components and forming the column-free framework for the museum’s seven exhibition spaces. The topping out of the museum’s smaller east building was completed in December 2024.

Since construction began, Powerhouse Parramatta has generated more than $300 million in contracts to NSW businesses — more than half to Western Sydney companies — and has supported more than 2500 workers who have delivered over 1.45 million hours on site.

The project will create more than 4000 direct and indirect jobs across its lifespan, with a target to employ 70% of the construction workforce local to Western Sydney; and it continues to exceed social impact targets, with women representing 4.1% of trades roles (double the national average) and First Nations employment reaching 5.8% (triple the original target).

Designed by Moreau Kusunoki (Lead Designer) and Genton (Local Architect), Powerhouse Parramatta is one of the largest structural engineering and architecturally complex projects underway in Australia.

It is one of two major projects in Australia to pioneer 100% renewable diesel powering its massive tower cranes, including the world’s largest capacity tower crane capable of hosting up to 330 tonnes in a single lift. Greenhouse gas emissions from this fuel are up to 90% lower over its life cycle compared to fossil fuel diesel.

Powerhouse is the first museum in Australia to sign the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment. Powerhouse Parramatta is the first public institution to be assessed as a 6 Star Green Star Designed Buildings project by the Green Building Council Australia and is on track to achieve certification once complete.

Key construction achievements include the handover of Presentation Spaces 1 and 2 for fit-out, installation of all 600 concrete precast panels, and over 65% completion of the building’s expansive 13,000 sqm glass façade.

With more than 18,000 sqm of public and exhibition space Powerhouse Parramatta will be the largest museum in NSW, providing increased access to the museum’s extraordinary collection and education programs. The museum is expected to welcome 2 million visitors from Australia and around the world to Western Sydney annually.

Powerhouse Parramatta will welcome visitors in late 2026.