Powerhouse Parramatta has officially announced details of the full opening exhibition program to be unveiled to the public when the new museum opens on Saturday November 7.

From engineering feats, spaces for children, cutting-edge artistic commissions and scientific stories, to a First Nations-led exhibition grounded in the living principles of Water Country and the first major Australian exhibition of the celebrated British artist Es Devlin, Powerhouse Parramatta's opening exhibition program has something for everyone.

The opening program will make world-class culture accessible to all. Four of the five opening exhibitions will be free, with Task Eternal ticketed for adults and free for visitors under 16.

The first five exhibitions will showcase more than 3,000 objects, with more than 1,600 from the Powerhouse Collection and loaned objects sourced from collections around the world.

One of the program highlights is Overflow, a First Nations-led exhibition grounded in the living principles of Water Country, working with seven Aboriginal organisations to consider the importance and care of salt and freshwater systems throughout NSW.

These stories are brought to life through the cinematic lens of acclaimed filmmaker and Kamilaroi man Ivan Sen.

The installation captures community projects spanning species protection, flood mitigation, sustainable and commercial fishing, water monitoring, language revitalisation and cultural water rights from Baramadagal Community; Gamay Rangers; The Goondee Aboriginal Museum and Keeping Place; Jagun Alliance; Joonga Land and Water Aboriginal Land Corporation; Moogalin Performing Arts; and Naru Aboriginal Corporation.

"Overflow is a First Nations-led exhibition grounded in the living principles of Water Country," Powerhouse director, First Nations, Beau James told National Indigenous Times.

"Through the cinematic vision of acclaimed filmmaker Ivan Sen, Overflow features the work of seven Aboriginal-led organisations caring for Water Country across New South Wales.

"Their practices move between saltwater and freshwater encompassing endangered species protection, restoring natural systems, monitoring changing waters, health and wellbeing, reviving language and fighting for cultural water rights. Together, they remind us that water is not a resource to possess, nor a force to contain, but kin to care for. That every current connects us. And that our shared future depends on how we choose to care for the waters that sustain us."

The $915 million project includes the building and delivery of Powerhouse Parramatta; a new collection storage facility at Castle Hill; and the digitisation and preservation of over 371,000 objects in the Powerhouse Collection.

The project also includes an ambitious philanthropic target of $75 million. Powerhouse Parramatta has surpassed that target, with $80.28 million secured from philanthropic contributions.

"Powerhouse Parramatta is a once-in-a- generation project," said minister for the Arts, John Graham.

"When it opens this November, Powerhouse Parramatta will bring extraordinary stories, ideas and experiences to the heart of Western Sydney.

"Visitors can spend hours exploring the exhibitions, immersing themselves in science, engineering, design, visual arts and special cultural artefacts - largely for free."

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts and Member for Granville, Julia Finn also commented on the importance Powerhouse Parramatta will have on the local area.

"This is a hugely ambitious engineering feat, bringing together world class design to create a museum made by and for people of Western Sydney," she said.

"Powerhouse Parramatta will also collect stories from across Western Sydney, to share with visitors from around the world.

"Western Sydney is already a powerhouse of creativity and innovation. Powerhouse Parramatta will showcase our best local talent to the world while bringing world-class science, technology and art right to our doorstep."

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said, "The programming and free access will make Powerhouse Parramatta the destination of choice for so many Parramatta locals and visitors from across the city."

"Parramatta is buzzing with anticipation to experience the Powerhouse's exhibition program and simply explore the new "third space" on the block."

Powerhouse Chief Executive, Lisa Havilah said, Powerhouse Parramatta will redefine how museums connect with community.

"Powerhouse Parramatta will redefine how museums connect with community, industry and learning," she said.

"As Western Sydney's first NSW cultural institution, it will be a place that celebrates the creativity, ambition and diversity of our communities, connecting local stories and knowledge with international innovation. These five foundational exhibitions place audiences at the heart of the museum, bringing to life stories of technology, creativity and excellence."

"Together, they reflect our ambition to create a museum that amplifies community, creates new opportunities and helps define the future. We are deeply grateful to our patrons for their visionary support and for joining us on the journey to create one of the world's great new museums. We can't wait to open the doors this November."

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