Taking place from every July, Brisbane Open House is a free annual event that lets locals and visitors alike explore the hidden architectural gems in the River City and, this year is the biggest edition yet!
With no less than 93 structures on the agenda, spanning historical and heritage-listed spots, and a record 16 private architect-designed homes, you’re sure to discover amazing spaces that speak to you.
Some of this year’s returning treasures are ABC Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall, Government House, Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, Parliament House, Spring Hill Baths, Old Government House, and Roma Street Fire Station.
On the other hand, this is your chance to have a peek for the first time at gorgeous sites like commercial 205 North Quay and 360 Queen Street, the striking residential tower at 443 Queen Street, and even enjoy a rare exclusive preview of a not-yet-opened lab at the Translational Research Institute.
For sports lovers, the program also opens the doors of the National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore and offers an opportunity to walk the stands of The Gabba before its post-2032 redevelopment!
One of the coolest offerings back for another year year is the rare opportunity for a limited number of visitors to descend 30 metres underground at the Roma Street Cross River Rail Station cavern! Plus, get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how public art is fabricated — including a live bronze pour — at a special UAP Foundry Tour.
If you like your architecture with a side of insider knowledge, join one of the tours, guided walks and neighbourhood explorations available, including one through Kurilpa. But it’s not all serious business! You’ll get to enjoy free live music, talks from professional architests, and more throughout the weekend!
Brisbane Open House Chair Malcolm Middleton highlighted the scale and unprecendented nature of this year’s event, saying, “This is Brisbane Open House’s 17th year, and we’ve never had a program quite like this. All eyes are on Brisbane right now – the city is transforming at pace as we count down to 2032.
“There is no better way to experience the transformation than exploring the buildings that have shaped Brisbane’s past and are shaping its future, and hearing from the architects behind them.”
Practical information
Brisbane Open House will take place on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19.
There’s no better time to see Brissy with new eyes than this winter, so see the full program here, and you can get tickets to your favourite events starting at 12pm on Wednesday, June 24 on their website.
