Open House Launceston program released

Tasmania’s most popular architecture and design event, Open House, is coming back to Launceston in 2019.

Open House Launceston, presented by Open House Hobart (OHH), will be held on Saturday 7 September, as part of the Junction Arts Festival.

“Wow, what a feast for the senses! Junction is delighted to once again partner with the Australian Institute of Architects and their Open House series – and with 34 buildings and with 20 offering tours, we will get a thorough immersion into Launceston’s famous architecture, which is THE most valued attribute of the city for visitor and resident alike,” says Chair of Junction, Liz Frankham.

The free event allows visitors to go behind the scenes of Launceston’s most intriguing buildings, including some classic examples of Victorian, Federation and Colonialist design, along with modern architecture and contemporary detailing.

Organised and run by the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, OHH is the local version of a global event first held in London in 1992 and now staged in more than 30 cities around the world. It gives visitors the chance to see how others live, work and play; look up, look inside, have a sticky-beak, and see the city from a different angle.

“Open House is the sum of our contributors – building owners, organisations, volunteers – all of who get behind the program to share places and spaces in a truly equitable way, and this shows in the scope of buildings that are in this year’s program,” says Open House Producer, and Australian Institute of Architects Tasmanian Chapter Executive Director, Jennifer Nichols.

“Launceston has a wealth of incredible architecture, and we’re excited to be partnering with Junction Arts Festival again to provide the community with a glimpse into of a number of these this year.”

“This year we’re excited to be able to open up more of Launceston’s unique built environment, including TasWater’s Forster Street Pump Station, the McBain House, Stillwater’s new accommodation offering, Stillwater Seven, and the Cataract Gorge’s new play space, among many others.”

Popular buildings from last year are also back again, including Architecture and Design at UTAS, Brickworks Launceston Design Centre, Launceston Town Hall, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Paddy Dorney House, City Baptist Church and Milton Hall, Launceston Eye Hospital, St John’s Church, Supreme Court, Waverley Mills, National Theatre (Foot and Playsted), Chalmer’s Church and Design Tasmania.

Don’t forget your camera. Some buildings require registration to visit. In true Tassie style, it’s first in, best dressed! So be sure to reserve your place for each building. Bookings can be made at junctionartsfestival.com.au. As you make your way around the city, share your snaps with the world by using the hashtag #oh_launceston. There’s some great Tasmanian loot to be won.

As well as Open House Launceston, Open House Hobart will again be held this year, over the weekend of 9 and 10 November. The full program will be launched in early October.

For the full program, see openhousehobart.org.