Sydney Open House 2015

Australia’s premier open building event, Sydney Open, returns for its 11th year on Sunday 1 November 2015, unlocking the doors to more than 50 of the city’s most historic and architecturally inspiring buildings. Presented by Sydney Living Museums, this signature event will now be held annually, giving Sydneysiders and visitors alike greater opportunity to enjoy behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s best loved or hidden architectural gems.

 “We are delighted to be able to bring this iconic event to the public annually. Since the first Sydney Open in 1997, over 55,000 visitors have accessed more than 400 buildings across the city,” said Mark Goggin, Executive Director of Sydney Living Museums.

 Sydney Open is a celebration of the city’s architectural heritage but also showcases contemporary architecture and innovative urban design and how it influences the way we live. This year’s event will focus on buildings across the CBD as well as the thriving Ultimo and Chippendale precincts, with some of the latest award-winning architecture on the program.

 “We have curated a diverse and exciting program that includes commercial towers and cultural places, underground tunnels and sacred spaces across Sydney. We know Sydney Open devotees love exploring some of the city’s iconic heritage buildings, however art and photography enthusiasts will also enjoy behind the scenes access to surprising art collections and no shortage of amazing photo opportunities,” said Mark Goggin.

 First time buildings on the program include some of University of Technology Sydney’s award-winning sites including the new Science Faculty building designed by Durbach Block Jaggers in association with BVN Architecture, and the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry with the ABC Ultimo Centre, headquarters of our national broadcaster, nearby.

In neighbouring Chippendale, visitors can discover the adaptive conversion of the iconic old Clare Hotel and former Carlton & United Breweries administration building, reimagined by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects into a brand new contemporary hotel. Plus the Kensington Street precinct where a collaboration between architects and artists has transformed classic heritage architecture into a vibrant urban village.

 Across the CBD, landmark buildings and Sydney Open favourites on the program include Australia Square, AMP Building, 50 Martin Place, 8 Chifley, MLC Centre, Reserve Bank of Australia and Sydney Opera House. The colonial architecture lining Macquarie Street including Hyde Park Barracks, St James’ Church, Sydney Hospital, Parliament House and State Library of NSW. Further south, there’s St Mary’s Cathedral and Bell Tower, Sydney Town Hall, Sydney Grammar School, Sydney Masonic Centre, the tunnels under St James Station and the Central Station Clock Tower.

Sydney Open tickets will go on sale on 23 September. For further information visit slm.is/open