Western Sydney’s highly anticipated Powerhouse Parramatta has received its first major exhibition object, marking a significant milestone ahead of the museum’s official opening later this year. The arrival of the historic Qantas Avro 504K aircraft signals the beginning of what is expected to become one of Australia’s most ambitious museum experiences.
The Avro 504K, a replica of Qantas’ first aircraft, will feature prominently in the museum’s opening exhibition titled “Task Eternal.” The exhibition explores humanity’s fascination with flight, innovation and engineering, bringing together aerospace history, design and technology through large-scale installations and rare objects.
Built by Qantas engineers and apprentices in Mascot in 1988, the aircraft weighs more than 760 kilograms and stretches almost nine metres in length with an 11-metre wingspan. It will be displayed suspended above two other historic aircraft, including a Cierva C.30A Autogiro and the Australian-designed Skycraft Scout Mark 1 ultralight aircraft.
The installation also launches a new 10-year partnership between Qantas and Powerhouse, bringing together two iconic Australian institutions focused on preserving and showcasing the country’s innovation and engineering achievements. Under the partnership, Qantas will become the presenting partner of the “Task Eternal” exhibition.
As part of the collaboration, more than 6,000 items from the Qantas Heritage Collection will be loaned to Powerhouse for conservation and digitisation at Powerhouse Castle Hill. The collection spans over a century of aviation history and includes archival records, photographs, uniforms, artworks and material documenting the evolution of Australia’s national airline.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said the museum would give young people across Western Sydney greater access to Australia’s engineering, science and innovation history. She described the project as an important cultural investment for the region’s future generations.
NSW Minister for the Arts John Graham said the arrival of the first exhibition object marked a historic moment for the museum as preparations continue ahead of its public opening. Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper added that the museum is expected to become a major cultural and tourism landmark for Western Sydney.
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah described the installation of the Avro 504K as a defining milestone for the museum, saying the exhibition would showcase stories of ambition, engineering and innovation that continue shaping Australia’s future. The museum’s opening exhibition is expected to feature more than 750 objects sourced from collections and lenders across Australia and internationally.
