Open House Melbourne Has Revealed Its Massive 2016 Program

Explore hidden nooks and marvel at grand designs, as doors open all around town for the latest edition of Open House Melbourne. Returning for its ninth consecutive year, this year's event is set for the final weekend of July, and will for the first time extend beyond the CBD and into the surrounding suburbs. In fact, the newly revealed 2016 program features a whopping 140 buildings, stretching all the way from Newport to Bundoora.

Highlighting many an architectural marvel, the Open House program covers everything from government buildings including Parliament House and the Supreme Court of Victoria; houses of worship such as St Paul's Cathedral and East Melbourne Synagogue; cultural institutions like the Athenaeum Theatre and the State Library; and sporting venues including AAMI Park and the National Tennis Centre. Pop across the Yarra and you can also pay a visit to the National Gallery of Victoria, or stargaze at the Melbourne Observatory nestled inside the Royal Botanic Gardens.

And that's just in the city, mind you. Venture north and you can explore Circus Oz HQ or wander through the Melbourne General Cemetery. Alternatively, head west for a look at Yarraville's Sun Theatre and the Footscray Town Hall. Local history buffs might enjoy a gander at the city's heritage tram fleet, housed in the Hawthorn Tram Depot. And what trip through Melbourne could truly be called complete without paying a visit to Luna Park?

Open House Melbourne takes place July 30-31. Certain buildings can only be explored in pre-booked tours at $5 a piece, with bookings opening on July 18. For the full program, visit www.openhousemelbourne.org.