Powerhouse has unveiled an ambitious design commission program for the new Powerhouse Parramatta museum, engaging more than 50 designers and makers from around Australia to help shape what is set to become one of the nation’s most significant cultural destinations.

The announcement offers the first detailed look at how Australian design talent will influence the museum’s visitor experience, interiors, public spaces and exhibition environments as the project moves toward its anticipated opening in late 2026.

Designed by Franco-Japanese architects Moreau Kusunoki alongside Australian architecture firm Genton, Powerhouse Parramatta is widely regarded as one of the largest cultural infrastructure investments undertaken in Australia since the completion of the Sydney Opera House.

Bow_tie-Adam Goodrum.jpg — *The Bow Tie Table | Adam Goodrum*

The newly revealed commissioning program extends across almost every aspect of the development, bringing together architects, industrial designers, landscape architects, artists, furniture makers and fabricators to contribute bespoke elements throughout the precinct. The designers and studios include Adam Goodrum, Bonhula Yunupingu, denHolm, Derlot, Design By Them, Eveleigh Works, FEARON, Fiona Lynch, George Livissianis, Tom Fereday, Tyrrell Studio and YSG Studio among many more.

A key component of the project is the landscape strategy led by Tyrrell Studio, with the design strengthening the museum’s connection to the Parramatta River while drawing on Indigenous cultural knowledge in consultation with cultural advisors, Baramadagal elders and Dharug community representatives.

Tom Fereday Chair.jpg — *Custom chairs made of velvet and natural aluminium | Tom Fereday*

On the museum's rooftop, a custom fire-cooking installation by master blacksmith Matt Mewburn of Eveleigh Works will sit alongside a productive garden planted with Indigenous species, designed by McGregor Coxall, as well as an observatory with telescopes, a greenhouse and a pavilion, which will host talks, workshops and public programs.

Melbourne-based studio Fiona Lynch has created immersive accommodation spaces for the Lang Walker Family Academy to host approximately 10,000 secondary school students from Western Sydney and regional New South Wales every year. Design and fabrication company FEARON has produced custom bunk beds and a series of tables while denHolm has fabricated stools and tabletops for the Academy, responding directly to the architectural and colour language of the interiors.

Powerhouse Table-Design by Them.jpg — *Powerhouse Table | Design by Them*

Residential accommodation for visiting researchers, scientists and creative practitioners forms another distinctive feature of the project. Thirty apartments designed by YSG feature work from more than 20 Australian designers and makers, combining handcrafted furniture, bespoke elements and locally produced materials to create spaces intended to support collaboration and residency programs.

The museum’s restaurant, designed by George Livissianis, overlooks the Parramatta River and incorporates a restrained palette of aluminium, leather and cork. Bespoke furniture pieces by industrial designer Adam Goodrum have been developed specifically for the venue and include The Bow Tie Table constructed from stainless steel and cork.

Derlot founder Alexander Lotersztain has designed a distinctive retail environment, integrating a sculptural brushed stainless steel installation into the architecture to serve both functional and spatial roles within the museum’s main shopping space.

Powerhouse_Concierge_Stainless Steel_Derlot.jpg — *The museum’s retail space designed by Alexander Lotersztain, Derlot*

Designer Tom Fereday has developed custom furniture for the Medich Foundation Cinema and bar, with the seating and tables – made of velvet and natural aluminium – specifically designed to withstand the environment.

Design commissions will also feature prominently in the museum’s inaugural exhibitions. Collaborative design duo Damien Wright and Bonhula Yunupingu of Bala Ga’ Lili have created a bespoke display cabinet for the opening exhibition Task Eternal. Meanwhile, David Caon of Caon Design Office has been commissioned to design a 100-year time capsule that will be launched as part of the museum’s opening celebrations.

Powerhouse Parramatta Time Capsule-Caon Design Office.jpg — *Powerhouse Parramatta Time Capsule | Caon Design Office*

The commissioning program has been made possible through a $2.5 million philanthropic contribution from an anonymous donor, enabling Powerhouse to engage a broad cross-section of Australian designers and makers.

“As a museum of applied arts and sciences, it is the museum’s role to engage and support the Australian Design industry. We are thankful to the many Australian designers and makers that have brought their vision and talent to Powerhouse Parramatta,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.

Main image credit: Nic Walker

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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