Costing a billion dollars and sitting by the banks of a flood-prone river, Sydney's biggest cultural project since the Opera House is days away from making a splash.
Powerhouse Parramatta opens on November 7 with five exhibitions and a sold-out program for more than 20,000 visitors across its launch weekend after the finishing touches are put on the construction marvel.
The last of more than 3000 objects, including an F1 Rocket, Apollo boilerplate and Space X debris were installed on Sunday in a final dress rehearsal overseen by Arts Minister John Graham.
The first state-significant cultural institution for western Sydney, the Powerhouse has been shifted from its long-standing base in the inner-city suburb of Ultimo to a purpose-built site of 18,000 square metres on the banks of the Parramatta River.
Entry is free for four shows and five works by British artist Es Devlin, who has worked with musical superstars Beyonce and Adele.
But the excitement has been marred by controversy with the museum's veteran champion Lisa Havilah, who spearheaded the project for seven years, absent in the final weeks before the opening.
The Powerhouse's chief executive stood aside in August as allegations over poor governance and procurement practices were investigated.
A formal misconduct investigation is under way after a whistleblower complaint and initial probe, although the full detail of the allegations has not been publicly disclosed.
A petition started by artists and supporters in recent days is calling for Ms Havilah's reinstatement and has gathered nearly 700 signatures.
Prominent signatories include Lucy Turnbull, gallery owner Anna Schwartz, artist William Yang and former NSW arts minister Peter Collins.
Long-time cultural leader and publisher of Artist Profile magazine Kon Gouriotis, who worked with Ms Havilah for decades, started the petition and is incensed at his peer's treatment.
"A logical question is what has Lisa actually done to warrant this?" he told AAP.
Mr Graham said the Powerhouse was delivered on budget and on time, but he batted away questions about Ms Havilah's return, saying it would not be appropriate until the investigation was completed.
Mr Gouriotis said executives brought in by the Labor government to replace Ms Havilah "would not know the difference between a sculpture and a painting."
"I feel deeply hurt for her and ... so heartbreaking to see that someone who has put so much of that knowledge and experience into the Powerhouse not be there at its launch," he said.
"It tarnishes what should be a celebration."
The NSW government has projected two million people will visit the museum in its first year.
