This July: Porto, Brisbane & Melbourne

Sonae Tech Hub. Photo courtesy of Open House Porto.

OHPEN HOUSE PORTO
PORTO, PORTUGAL
5-6 JULY

Open House Porto celebrates a decade of existence with a special edition that invites the public to explore more than 70 spaces. Some highlights include the Sonae Tech Hub in Maia, the Monastery of Leça do Balio and Open Sculpture in Matosinhos, the M-odu project at the former Porto slaughterhouse, the Porto University Stadium, and RTP Studios in Vila Nova de Gaia. Visitors can enjoy free expert-led tours, public talks and the new Open Office initiative, offering a glimpse into the workspaces of architects. The programme will also include the Caleidoscópio and Plus initiatives that propose activities open and accessible to all audiences.

Birdwood House. Photo by Brock Beazley.

OPEN HOUSE BRISBANE
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
19-20 JULY

Brisbane Open House unveils the biggest programme in five years, unlocking 91 buildings and spaces across the city, including private homes, cutting-edge infrastructure and historic icons. Ten private residences, including Stafford Heights Modern, House for Birdwood and Twin Houses, will offer a rare look at inspiring architecturally designed homes across the city. Other highlights include a behind-the-scenes tour of Brisbane Airport as it celebrates 100 years, first-time access to the heritage listed Milton House and an architectural tour of the cutting-edge Bradbury Park Playscape. A limited number of visitors will also have the rare opportunity to descend 30 metres underground into the Roma Street Cross River Rail site — a once-in-a-lifetime look inside one of Queensland’s most transformative infrastructure projects. Don’t miss twilight talks, guided walks, and the return of PechaKucha Night — plus returning favourites including Newstead House, Centenary Pool, and Government House. 

Artbank. Photo courtesy of Open House Melbourne.

OPEN HOUSE MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
26-27 JULY

Open House Melbourne returns with nearly 200 buildings and experiences celebrating design, history, and public access. Highlights include the newly opened Port Phillip EcoCentre and the elevated Veloway above the West Gate Tunnel, as well as behind-the-scenes access to the Essendon Fields Airport Terminal and the Werribee Zoo’s vast new elephant habitat. Private homes, including the award-winning Naples St House and Melbourne’s first turnkey Passivhaus, explore sustainable living. Secret histories will be revealed at a series of special events celebrating this year’s theme, “Stories of the City” including an exhibition at Bates Smart Gallery that invites the public to share their own stories of the city.