Approaching Open House Festivals in Bilbao, Dublin, Essen, Queretaro, Tallinn and Chicago

Archivo Histórico de Euskadi, courtesy of Open House Bilbao

OPEN HOUSE BILBAO
BILBAO, SPAIN
7-8 OCTOBER

More than 60 buildings will be open to visit during Open House Bilbao, which invites reflection on the tangible and intangible dimensions of cities, including the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of architecture and urbanism.

In addition to building tours, 19 special activities will be offered. Cuando la ciudad crece (When the city grows) is a 360 architectural experience that revisits three episodes in Bilbao’s history that responded to the city’s planned developments and spontaneous growth. Descubrimos los ODS (Discovering SDGs) is a workshop for kids to engage through play with the challenges and opportunities of just, equal, and sustainable cities. More information about all special activities is available online.

Dublin Port. Photo: Enda Kavanagh

OPEN HOUSE DUBLIN
DUBLIN, IRELAND
7-15 OCTOBER

Open House Dublin is hosting its biggest festival yet. It spans nine days and reflects on how lives are lived and how stories unfold in the company of architecture and the built environment.

For the first time, all four local authorities are taking part, bringing visitors events across Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, and South Dublin. The opening weekend features the Open House Junior programme dedicated to families. During the second weekend, in addition to building tours, participants can attend the special Cities Have Feelings event on 14 October, which explores the emotional, physical, and social connections between people and their cities.

Waschhaus, courtesy of Open House Essen

OPEN HOUSE ESSEN
ESSEN, GERMANY
7-8 OCTOBER

Open House Essen has something for every curious urbanist, from history buffs to leisurely explorers. Stop by, step through doors, and go on journeys of discovery. Enjoy guided tours, insightful talks, family-friendly workshops, and virtual tours about sustainable architecture.

Building highlights include the elegant neo-Baroque headquarters of Zeche Zollverein, the modern terraced student apartments at Die Brücke, and the vibrant post-war housing estate Waschhaus.

Casa Sabino. Photo: Ariadna Polo

OPEN HOUSE QUERÉTARO
QUERETARO, MEXICO
7-8 OCTOBER

The first edition of Open House Queretaro includes more than 50 buildings, ten urban walks, and bike tours. The festival also features competitions, talks, and other cultural experiences. Select activities explore the topic of social inclusion: a journey that shares women's perspective of cities, a talk about a new LGBT+ centre, and an urban walk given by members of an association of short persons.

Open House Queretaro aims to break down barriers between the built environment, civic institutions, and citizens. Opening doors to buildings helps a broad public understand the city's history and how design can be a powerful tool for addressing urgent urban challenges.

Ülemiste Veepuhastusjaam. Photo: Kaupo Kalda

OPEN HOUSE TALLINN
TALLINN, ESTONIA
7-8 OCTOBER

This year’s Open House Tallinn takes a deep dive into education and features tours of several institutions: EKA (arts university), Pelgulinna Riigigümnaasiumid (state high school), Tallinna Muusikakool (music), Ristiku Põhikool (primary), MUBA (music and ballet), Mereakadeemia (maritime studies), Püha Johannese Kool, and TalTech Mäemaja (engineering and research).

The programme includes almost 40 projects in all. Visitors can also explore industrial spaces in Lutheri kvartalis (quarter) and Põhjala tehases (factory), get skyline views at Skyon or go underground into cellars and shelters, and reflect on the coexistence of nature and humans at RMK Metsamaja (forest house) and Ülemiste Veepuhastusjaama (water treatment plant).

Walt Disney House and Birthplace, courtesy of Open House Chicago

OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
14-15 OCTOBER

Over 170 buildings and projects across more than 20 neighbourhoods are opening their doors for Open House Chicago. New sites opening the doors for the first time include the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Walt Disney's birthplace home, and the Pullman National Historical Park. Browse the full programme online to learn about Chicago's neighborhoods and architectural treasures.

Open House Chicago is one of the most highly attended Open House events around the world.

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COMING SOON

OPEN HOUSE NAPOLI: 20-22 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE NEW YORK: 20-22 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE SEVILLA: 20-22 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE ZAGREB: 20-22 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE BARCELONA: 21-22 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE SEOUL: 21-29 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE VALENCIA: 21-22 OCTOBER

OPEN HOUSE OSAKA: 28-29 OCTOBER