Family Day: Design
Saturday 1 April 2023
A free day of demonstrations, talks and hands-on activities focusing on design – designed to inspire people of all ages.
Powerhouse Castle Hill
Open Weekends 10am to 4pm (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2022). Free entry, no bookings required.
Discovery Walkthrough: What's That Sound?
4 March 2023 – 30 April 2023
30-minute guided tours discovering sounds, running throughout March and April 2023.
Meet the Robots: Mars Rover
Saturday – Sunday, 10.30, 11.30, 1.30 and 2.30
Uncover the mysteries of NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover at one of our free Meet the Robots demonstrations.
Hidden Lessons
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
See student's works alongside Powerhouse's own collection objects.
Auslan Tours
From 13 May 2023
From May 2023, Auslan Interpreted Discovery Walkthrough will run on the second Saturday of every month.
The Barry Willoughby Bequest: Glass Commissions
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
See brand new glass works from three Australian artists on display at the Museums Discovery Centre.
Victa 70 Years Turning Grass Into Lawns
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
See how the Victa lawn mower has developed over the past 70 years in this display.
Powerhouse Castle Hill Group Talks
Wednesdays – Fridays, 11am – 12.30pm
Learn about objects from the Powerhouse collection at Powerhouse Castle Hill with a tour tailored to your group’s interests.
Art & Design
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
The talent and skills of some of the world’s best designers are contained in this store.
![Electric guitar, solid body is mostly black with a white scratchplate. The shape of the body is that of a five-pointed star. Metal bridge screwed to the body. Wooden saddle. One pick-up. The headstock has the word 'Levin' and a floral symbol inlaid [in mother-of-pearl]. Machine heads have white tuning pegs. A dark brown leather strap is attached to the guitar.](https://d55epuxr7x6s9.cloudfront.net/6nCDqhrIPTJofIYy514O694Ifk4=/640x480/smart/maas.museum/uploads/2020/11/MDC-Store-venue-page-tile-tech-innovation-star-guitar.jpg)
Technology & Innovation
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Take a closer look at the innovative technologies that changed our lives.
Transport
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Meet the machines that move the world, from planes and trains, to fire engines, yachts and wagons.
Architecture
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Wonder at a wealth of architectural elements that have been saved from important and beautiful buildings.
Science & Exploration
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
See creatures great and small, gemstones, mineral and oil samples alongside scientific model and instruments.
Social History
Saturday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Get a a glimpse into everyday life in New South Wales through domestic appliances and toys.
Powerhouse Castle Hill Expansion
The $44 million Powerhouse Castle Hill expansion forms an integral part of the Powerhouse renewal program.
Powerhouse Castle Hill is a storage collaboration with the Australian Museum and Museums of History NSW.
Visit Info
Opening Hours
Open Weekends 10am to 4pm (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2022).
Back to top of pageTickets
Individuals: Free entry, no bookings required.
Schools and Groups: Please contact us on (02) 9217 0222 to arrange your visit.
Find more information here about the measures we’ve put in place to keep everyone safe.
Getting Here
Powerhouse Castle Hill is located at 172 Showground Road, Castle Hill.
Public Transport:
The closest metro station is Hills Showground. Bus routes 601, 626, 633 and 651 run throughout the day from Hills Showground to the TAFE, Green Road bus stop.
Travel time, including walking from Green Road bus stop to the main entrance, is approximately 20 minutes.
If walking directly from the Hills Showground Metro station it is approximately 30 minutes.
Pedestrian entry is located on Showground Road.
For bus timetables and routes either phone the Transport Information Line on 131500 or go to the website.
Parking:
We are currently expanding the site, which may affect how you enter via car. Find more about the Expansion project.
Parking is via Windsor Road entry. Once inside turn right for the museum entrance.
Bus and truck entry is via the gate on Windsor Road. Call (02) 9217 0236 on arrival.
Back to top of pageParking
Visitor car parking onsite is free but limited.
Accessible parking is available onsite. To enquire about accessible parking please call (02) 9217 0222 or email book@maas.museum.
Bus drivers are asked to park in the designated bus bay (near the windmill).
Back to top of pageShop Hours
Powerhouse Castle Hill has a small gift shop near the admissions counter.
Open Weekends 10am to 4pm (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2022).
Profits from the Powerhouse Shop go towards the purchase and conservation of collection objects.
Back to top of pageFood and Café
There is no cafe onsite, however visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks to enjoy at one of our outdoor tables or on the grass. No food or drink is permitted in the collection stores.
No food or drink are permitted in the collection stores, however there are designated areas for the consumption of food and drinks. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own snacks to enjoy at one of our outdoor tables or on the grass.
The closest food outlets are at the Hills Supercentre or the Kellyville Plaza.
Back to top of pageAccessibility
We aim to provide venues, exhibitions, programs and services which can be enjoyed by all visitors. If you have any questions about your access requirements, please see the front desk or call us in advance on (02) 9217 0222 or email info@maas.museum.
Accessible access
Entry to the Powerhouse Castle Hill is via a ramp located adjacent to the undercover courtyard.
All collection galleries and seminar facilities inside the main building are accessible via elevators.
Accessible toilets are located inside on the ground floor and outside in the undercover courtyard area.
The Museum Discovery Centre has a limited number of wheelchairs available for visitor use. Please ask at the front desk.
Assistance animals
Assistance animals trained to assist people with disabilities are welcome.
Accessible parking
Accessible parking is available onsite. To enquire about accessible parking please call (02) 9217 0222 or email book@maas.museum.
Companion Card
Powerhouse Castle Hill is an affiliate of the NSW Government’s Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care’s Companion Card program. Support persons receive free entry to paid exhibitions and programs when accompanying a Companion Card holder. Visit the Companion Card website for more information.
Quiet times
Quieter times to visit are generally opening time at 10am and/or between 12–1pm during the school terms. School holidays and between 2–4pm tend to be the busiest times to visit.
Parents
Baby change tables are located on the ground floor and in the bathrooms outside.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Powerhouse has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower to help support and raise awareness of those living with a hidden disability. Free lanyards and wristbands are available from the cloaking desk.
Back to top of pageGroup Bookings
If you are coordinating a group visit, please contact us in advance on (02) 9217 0222 or email book@maas.museum.
Back to top of pageTeacher Resources
Public liability insurance policy number: MF100097.
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