“No civilised society destroys a museum”: Powerhouse workers rally against closure
Image: Wikimedia Commons
by GRACE JOHNSON
Powerhouse workers will stop work today and rally outside the museum unless they receive the refurbishment plans and plans for their immediate working future.
Community groups like Powerhouse Museum Alliance, Save the Powerhouse and Pyrmont Action are demanding that the Minns Government cancels their decision to close the Powerhouse Museum this Sunday.
In a joint statement, the groups said, “We urge the NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for the Arts John Graham to keep to their promises and reverse their decision to close the Museum on Sunday February 5.”
“The community demands the immediate release of details of the NSW Government’s so-called ‘Heritage Revitalisation’, their plan for the Museum’s exhibitions and collection and for the future of the Museum’s staff.”
“No civilised society destroys a museum,” they reiterated.
Workers and community groups are outraged that the museum will close for 3 years despite the “revitalisation” project not being ready. In addition, the State Significant Development (SSD) application has not yet been submitted. The process will take most of 2024.
The closure has been slammed as unjustified and unnecessary, with experts agreeing that the government’s intended “revitalisation” can be carried out without closing the museum and moving the collections, which can be costly and extremely risky for the precious objects.
Kylie Winkworth, former PHM trustee said, “There is no conservation, public benefit or museological purpose in this reckless decision.”
“It took a year to install these collections before the museum opened. Everyone knows they are not coming back.”
“A city that can’t keep its museum, is a city without a soul or a story.”
The rally will take place outside the museum today at noon.
