Sydney Open returns for 2019

Australia’s premier open building event, Sydney Open returns on 2 and 3 November offering visitors a glimpse into an unprecedented number of the city’s most important and architecturally inspiring buildings usually off-limits to the general public.

Across two days, over 80 buildings and spaces can be accessed through the Sydney Open Pass on Sunday 3 November and the more in-depth Focus Tours on Saturday 2 November led by architects, historians and building owners for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.

From places of historic significance to award-winning new buildings that shape the city’s urban landscape and cultural life, Sydney Open celebrates great architecture and how it influences our lives.

“Over the years, Sydney Open has brought thousands of Sydneysiders and visitors to the city to explore, discover and learn about hundreds of great architectural gems,” said Adam Lindsay, Executive Director, Sydney Living Museums.

“This year we’ve expanded the program to include the first After Dark tours, offering people a special nighttime experience whether it’s taking in the spectacular views of the Sydney Botanic Gardens from [the] rooftop of the Harders Building or exploring the darker side of Sydney at Mortuary Station and the Justice & Police Museum.”

The Sydney Open Pass program on Sunday 3 November promises some exciting new experiences from exploring the vault containing safety deposit boxes owned by many colourful racing identities at the City Tattersalls Club to a backstage tour of the Victorian Free Gothic style Genesian Theatre at St John’s Church.

Marrying past architecture with stunning new, contemporary design can be seen at The Bushells Building, and the offices of Peace of Mind Technology and ISPT at the stunningly adapted, George Place.

Favourites returning to the Sydney Open Pass program are the grand Sydney Masonic Centre, magnificent places of worship at St James Church, The Great Synagogue and St Mary’s Cathedral, the AMP building and Barangaroo Towers One and Three, boasting breathtaking views of the harbour and the award-winning Grosvenor Place and Australia Square.

Visitors who enjoy history shouldn’t miss the hugely popular Lucy Osborne‑Nightingale Museum which documents the beginning of nursing in Australia along with a vast array of medical specimens, the Sydney Trades Hall, home of the trade union movement along with Government House, Parliament House and The Mint all contained within the Macquarie Street precinct.

Sydney Open ticketholders can extend their experience through the exclusive Focus Tours on Saturday 2 November. Naval heritage is a highlight of the Focus Tours with opportunities for people to explore the Sub Base Platypus, a former torpedo factory, discover the underground tunnel complex and Plotting Room at North Head Fort and walk the corridors of the gunpowder magazine at the Newington Armoury.

“We are delighted to add the NSW State Archives and Records Authority, Western Sydney Centre to the Focus Tours for the first time this year where visitors can go behind the scenes, view rare objects from the collection and gain an insight into the unique workings of the organisation,” continued Adam Lindsay.

Exclusive Focus Tours of private homes include: the important parkside heritage estate of Braelin with a guided tour by owner Dr Gene Sherman AM and designer Don Cameron, Tom Uren House, home to the labour leader, environmentalist, peace and social justice advocate of the same name, the Harbour Masters House with its modern twist on the convict-constructed heritage building and Welcome to the Jungle House which explores the relationship between architecture, landscape, sustainability and food production in one building.

The first After Dark Focus Tours on Saturday 2 November offers visitors access to five sites and a new perspective on Sydney at night from Mortuary Station, Justice & Police Museum, Newington Armoury, F23 University of Sydney and the Stylecraft offices in the Harders Building.

“Each year, Sydney Open reminds us of what an extraordinary city this is. This weekend-long celebration of architecture is not to be missed. Come and explore the unexplored,” concluded Adam Lindsay.

Bookings and information
Sydney Open 2019, 2 & 3 November
Tickets on sale
Tickets from $39 Book at slm.is/open or phone 1300 448 849