Potter and Picasso break longstanding exhibition records

NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, has congratulated Sydney's Powerhouse Museum and the Art Gallery of NSW (pictured) for both breaking a long standing record for a special paid exhibition.

Minister Souris said the current attendance record for the two world class cultural institutions has stood for more than 20 years after 323,300 people flocked to the Art Gallery of NSW in 1988 for Gold of the Pharaohs.

Minister Souris stated "it's Potter versus Picasso - as of Sunday afternoon (18th March) Harry Potter: The Exhibition which is showing at the Powerhouse Museum has smashed that record with total admissions and pre sales of 339,368.

"An impressive 331,112 visitors have already been through the museum doors to experience the magical world of the famous boy wizard.

"These figures are significantly up on the Powerhouse's previous highest attendance for a special paid exhibition of 216,594 visitors for Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination in 2008-09.

"Over at the Art Gallery of NSW, Picasso: masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris has eclipsed its 1988 record with a total 339,321 tickets sold and 331,021 people through the gallery's gates to see the exhibition.

"Due to Harry Potter's popularity with young and old alike, the Powerhouse Museum recently extended its Australian run to 9th April while Picasso finishes on Sunday (25th March).

"It should prove an exciting countdown to the closing of each of the exhibitions to see which one will take the top spot as the highest attended special paid exhibition of all time at the two cultural institutions.

"Both these world class shows have been a major tourist drawcard for Sydney with more than 176,000 interstate and international visitors estimated to have taken in Harry Potter and Picasso to date."

Spread across 1,400 metres2 of the museum's newly refurbished touring exhibition gallery, Harry Potter: The Exhibition features hundreds of original film artefacts from what is the world's highest grossing films series.

It is also the exclusive Asia/Pacific venue for the show and the only venue for the exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

Minister Souris concluded "part of the Sydney International Art Series, the Art Gallery of NSW is the only Australian gallery showing Picasso: masterpieces from the Mus�e National Picasso, Paris.

"The exhibition showcases 150 masterpieces by one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

"It includes paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings reflecting his various artistic styles over an incredible career spanning seven decades.

"This Saturday night (24th March) the Gallery will stay open until midnight with late viewings of the exhibition and a host of free events.

"I urge those who haven't yet seen Harry Potter: The Exhibition or Picasso: masterpieces from the Musee National Picasso, Paris to take advantage of this rare opportunity.

"I congratulate both the Powerhouse Museum and Art Gallery of NSW on their success."

11th February 2012 - MICHAEL BRAND NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF NSW ART GALLERY

3rd July 2009 - POWERHOUSE MUSEUM’S JACKSON EXHIBIT BECOMES A SHRINE