Research

The Powerhouse Collection includes the Powerhouse Archives, which are comprised of Collected Archives and the Powerhouse Institutional Archives.

Powerhouse Museum is a major cultural institution that collects, preserves, documents and displays Australian material culture and its global impact. The Powerhouse Collection spans a broad range of media and materials across the applied arts and sciences. The museum conforms to appropriate policy and guidelines to ensure the objects it brings into the collection or borrows for exhibitions have clear title and history of ownership (provenance) and it follows legislation relevant to movable cultural heritage.

Powerhouse offers annual programs to researchers interested in exploring the collection for the purposes of creative practice or academic research.

A reference library supporting the exhibitions, publications and programs of the museum. The Research Library collection dates from 1880, and its subject specialities reflect the museum’s diverse collecting areas and contains approximately 40,000 books, 1,500 journal titles, and digital resources. By appointment only. ContactInternal link icon

Comprising of digital and analog photographs of collection objects, exhibitions, significant locations and events. The Image Library supports Powerhouse publications, exhibitions and services as well as external researchers, publishers and authors. ContactInternal link icon

Powerhouse Conservation are the custodians of the Powerhouse Collection in storage and on exhibition. Controlling environmental factors, documenting object conditions, conducting remedial work, and participating in various regional and community programs to promote conservation.