In the year 2126, Powerhouse Parramatta’s time capsule will be opened to reveal innovations that best capture the year 2026 in New South Wales.
This will be the third time capsule compiled by Powerhouse Museum to mark the opening of a new venue; the first was buried in 1879 at Garden Palace in Sydney, and the second was buried in 1981 at Ultimo.
Next year’s time capsule will be installed during Powerhouse Parramatta’s opening ceremony.
“As we stand on the cusp of enjoying the new Powerhouse Parramatta, it’s a great time to reflect on what future visitors and Sydneysiders will want to know about, which of our ideas and stories will be of great interest,” said Minister for the Arts, John Graham.
“Building on a history of time capsules started in 1879, the third time capsule will capture this moment in our history. A great demonstration of our innovation and achievements in the applied arts and applied sciences.”
Decisions are still being made regarding what to place in the capsule. The criteria includes innovations that have shaped the fields of science, engineering, manufacturing, and computing.
“Western Sydney is a powerhouse of economic growth, exciting collaborations, and innovation in our state. It is fitting that the Powerhouse Parramatta is preparing to celebrate its opening in that same ethos,” stated Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong.
“The development of the capsule itself will demonstrate the very essence of what makes New South Wales a global leader in innovation across the applied arts and sciences.”
People with selected objects will be invited to the Powerhouse Parramatta 2026 Time Capsule Ceremony and will receive a Time Capsule token which will grant their future generations access to the capsule’s opening 100 years down the track.
“Looking at how much Parramatta has changed over the last century, it’s almost impossible to imagine what Parramatta will look like in one hundred years. I look forward to seeing what is put forward to be included in the capsule,” Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said.
Applications for items to be included in the capsule will close on November 26 this year, and in the meantime, Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah will battle FOMO.
“It is brilliant to imagine the descendants of all these incredible NSW scientists and innovators opening David Caon’s capsule one hundred years into the future in 2126 on the banks of the Parramatta River. I will be sorry to miss it,” the CEO finalised.
Ally Hall joined the team 2024, and focuses on entertainment and community stories. She is a graduate of the University of South Australia.