Revitalising the Powerhouse Museum

Revitalisation Phase 1 – Some rectification work on the forecourt is required to be undertaken.  The builders are reviewing and will provide a schedule of when this work will be carried out.

Revitalisation Phase 2 – the shop and cafe are now fully operational.  The shop has a fantastic range of merchandise including Museum souvenirs and catalogues, as well as ceramics, glassware, textiles and jewellery.  Now located at the exit to the Museum, it’s hard not be tempted by the stock on display.  The new cafe is also proving to be popular with visitors.   A new breakfast and lunch menu has been available from the 1 March.   New chairs were delivered and installed in the cafe by 7 March.  These Broom chairs are designed by Philippe Stark and Emeco, and are made from recyled material.  Minor works still to be done include finalising the installation of the lighting panels to the facade of the cafe, once completed this will create the affect of an illuminated light box.   Stay tuned for photos to come next week.

Level 2 toilet refurbishment – the new facilities were opened prior to Christmas.  Where the previous washroom facilities had been located is now an expanded open space which can be used for exhibitions or programs.  Installation of new doors leading into the level 2 courtyard has increased the Museum’s flexibility in transporting larger objects into this space.  The Public Learning Centre rooms on this floor are in the midst of being repainted and this area will re-opened in the near future.

Revitalisation Phase 1 – work on the thresholds to the Switch House doors will be completed and the fencing will be removed from the forecourt this next week.  Internally the builders are continuing to go through the defects list and rectify outstanding items. The visitor lift will also need to be closed another day to finalise cleaning and trimming.  A date for this to take place will be confirmed.

Revialisation Phase 2 – additional shelving units are currently being installed which is the final stage of the fitout for the shop.  The kitchen fitout  is proceeding well with the installation of the appliances and equipment well underway.

Level 2 toilet refurbishment – New toilet facilities – construction and installation of fittings and fixtures is now complete and the new toilet facilities are expected to open to the public next week.  Work yet to be completed involves the installation of signage and graphics.  Existing toilet block – both walls have now been demolished and the builders are in the midst of removing the rubble from site.  Once this is complete the floor will be levelled, the columns will be clad, lighting and magna grid installed and the area made good.

External work – there has been a delay in the delivery of glass for the glazing strip that will connect the upper forecourt to the Switch House.  Delivery is now expected on 10 November and it will take approximately one week to install.

Internal work – minor rectification work is continuing. 

Level 2 toilet refurbishment – over this coming weekend the existing toilet block on level 2 will be hoarded off in preparation for demolition work to commence on Monday 5 November.  Demolition of the existing toilet block will be done concurrently with the final construction phase of the new toilet facilties.  The majority of this demolition work will be done out of Museum opening hours.  Both the new toilets and the demolition of the existing toilet block are due to be completed by the end of November.