Mike Baird will be forced to appear before a parliamentary inquiry investigating the relocation of the Powerhouse Museum after the former premier declined to turn up voluntarily.

The upper house committee inquiry into museums and galleries will issue a summons for Mr Baird as well as Mirvac executive Bay Warburton, Mr Baird's former chief of staff, to appear.

Mr Baird and Mr Warburton will have to give evidence to the committee on April 4.

Former premier Mike Baird will be summoned to appear before the Powerhouse Museum inquiry. Credit:Kate Geraghty

The former premier announced in 2015 the plan to move the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo to Parramatta to create an arts and cultural precinct in Western Sydney.