About the collection database

The Powerhouse Museum's online collection database, also known as OPAC2.0, went live to the public in June 2006. The collection database employs a variety of different methods and technologies to encourage browsing and chance discovery within the Museum's diverse collection.

Whilst the collection database holds a large number of objects from the Museum's collection it does not hold everything. We estimate that roughly 70% of the Museum's active and electronically documented collection is available for searching. More objects and images are being added on a monthly basis.

Most of our collection has been acquired before the advent of computers and as such a large portion of Museum knowledge and documentation is held in paper and non-digital formats. The level of documentation varies depending on when the objects were collected, what was known about them at the time, the research that has been undertaken since, and whether this research has been digitised. You will notice that more recent acquistions are more likely to have extensive documentation available online, and often, better quality, colour, zoomable images.

Research and documentation, both textual and photographic, of the Museum's collection is a continuous process.

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Powerhouse Museum collection index