Brisbane Open House Reveals More of the City in its Landmark 17th Year

90+ Buildings

40+ Heritage Treasures

35+ Walks, Talks and Special Events

1 Unmissable Weekend

Brisbane Open House has announced its return for 2026 with one of its most ambitious programs – with 93 buildings, including a record 16 private homes, and significantly expanded ticket availability in response to last year’s extraordinary demand.

Over the weekend of Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, doors will open to the public across Greater Brisbane, unlocking major government institutions, cutting-edge commercial towers, heritage landmarks, and beautiful private homes – many for the very first time.

The 2026 program was launched today by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland at a special event at the new Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC, itself one of this year’s unmissable program highlights.

Brisbane Open House Co-Chair Malcolm Middleton OAM said this year’s event is unprecedented in scale and significance.

“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,” Mr Middleton said.

“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.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the popular event gave people the chance to see the city from a different perspective.

“Each year, this event reminds us that Brisbane is more than just the places we pass through every day. It’s a city full of history, character and stories waiting to be discovered.

“Every building has something to tell us about who we are, where we’ve come from and how we’re shaping Brisbane’s future.

“This event is one of many free and affordable experiences available across the suburbs, giving residents and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.

New Buildings and First-Time Access

The 2026 program introduces more than 30 new buildings to Brisbane Open House, including some of the most significant recent additions to the city’s skyline. Visitors can step inside impressive new commercial towers 205 North Quay, 360 Queen Street and the striking residential tower at 443 Queen Street and enjoy a rare exclusive preview of a not-yet-opened lab at world-leading research facility the Translational Research Institute. For those drawn to Brisbane’s Olympic future, 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 transforms the site.

Returning Favourites

Much-loved program staples return in 2026, including ABC Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall, Government House, Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, Parliament House, Spring Hill Baths, Old Government House, Roma Street Fire Station and many more.

Extraordinary Homes

A record 16 private homes, many of them award-winning, open their doors in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects, offering visitors a rare and intimate look inside some of the city’s most extraordinary places to live. Highlights include the Balmoral Hillside House, a tour of six Torbreck Apartments, and modernist favourite, Eisenmenger House.

Talks, Walks, Tours, and Special Events

Architecture enthusiasts can join guided walks exploring the Kurilpa Peninsula’s green future and flood resilience, attend a free public conversation marking GOMA’s 20th anniversary, or get a behind-the-scenes look at how public art is fabricated – including a live bronze pour – at a special UAP Foundry Tour.

Families, students, and curious minds are also catered for, with a hands-on children’s workshop, Ask an Architect consultation sessions, an urban sketching experience, and a ballot for one of the most sought-after experiences in the program’s history: a 30-metre descent below ground to see one of Brisbane’s new Cross River Rail Stations under construction.

Brisbane Open House is a flagship cultural event that invites the public to discover the hidden stories, spaces, and structures that shape our city. The program has become one of Queensland’s most anticipated events.

Most buildings in this year’s program are open access and do not require bookings. A small number of buildings including private homes  offer pre-booked tours only, and attendees will need a ticket to attend. Tickets will be available from midday on Monday 24 June at brisbaneopenhouse.com.au

About Brisbane Open House

Brisbane Open House has been opening the doors of the city’s most extraordinary buildings since 2010. Each year, across a single weekend, up to 100 buildings open to a public audience that is curious, engaged and deeply invested in the built environment. In 2025, Brisbane Open House welcomed more than 42,000 visits through our city’s doors.

For further information go to the Brisbane Open House website