Overview
This weekend sees the return of another packed program for Open House Melbourne. If you're not familiar with the annual two-day event, it opens up some of the cities most iconic buildings, new structures and urban environments for the public to explore and appreciate. And with 73 of these buildings appearing on the program on the first time — you're set to be busy this weekend.
Be the first to see the new Capitol Theatre fit out, go underground in a former explosives store or head to a historic cottage in the CBD which is now home to a gin distillery. With a massive 200 buildings open and 45 special events, talks and tours this 2019 schedule is a perfect curation for any lover of architecture, design and the history of Melbourne.
While some sites and tours require bookings, a lot are free to drop by over the course of the weekend. We've sifted through the program and have pulled out five incredible spaces — that aren't booked out already — that you should sew while you've got the chance.
Tatjana Plitt
CAPITOL THEATRE, CBD
A highlight of the weekend will be the chance to check out the long-awaited refurbishment of RMIT's Capitol Theatre. After closing in 2014 for much needed renovations, the CBD building now showcases its recently renovated lounge, salon, foyer and theatre. The Chicago Gothic-style theatre's recognisable crystalline ceiling and spectacular lighting design has elevated this historic building's capabilities — and created a much-needed new space for modern and traditional theatre in the city.
The theatre will be open for you to wander around from 10am–4pm on the Saturday, and guided tours led by Six Degrees Architects will run on the hour. Queues are expected. Find more here.
Trevor Mein
IAN POTTER SOUTHBANK CENTRE, SOUTHBANK
Opening earlier this year, the Ian Potter Southbank Centre is the new home to the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music — and a new six-metre-wide oculus designed by John Wardle Architects. Don't miss seeing the 400 seat cantilevered auditorium in action with the chamber music program over the weekend. These 30-minute performances are free but bookings are essential to see the leading students from the Conservatorium of Music.
Unfortunately, the guided tours for this event are all sold out — but you're still free to wander through the space on a self guided tour between 10am and 3.45pm on both days. You can also book in to a talk from the Director of Melbourne School of Design talking with one of the project architects about the challenges and opportunities creating such an iconic building. That's happening at 1.30pm on Sunday. Book into all IPSC events here.
17 CASSELDEN PLACE, CBD
Previously run as a secret grog shop and a brothel, the historic cottage made from handmade red bricks and a slate roof is now home to the CBD's only distillery. Steeped in history, Little Lon is named after the infamous red light district that sat between Lonsdale, Spring, Exhibition and La Trobe Streets. The distillery site, in Casselden Place, is one of the few historic spaces that remain as most were destroyed in the 1950s.
Little Lon will welcome all Open House Melbourne guests to come and see the site, take a tour of the distillery and try both gins and cocktails on Sunday from 11am–4.30pm. Find more info here.
JACK'S MAGAZINE, MARIBYRNONG
One of the more unique places on Open House Melbourne's 2019 program is Jack's Magazine, a former explosive store first opened in 1878. Set along the banks of the Maribyrnong River, the building is largely concealed, constructed behind a large bluestone perimeter wall on the hill. Decommissioned in the 1990s, Jack's Magazine is currently closed to the public. But, this weekend, you'll be able to take a rare tour of the hidden tunnels and tramways as you're led around the site's main buildings, including the vast gunpowder store.
Something of a leftover from Melbourne's past, Jack's Magazine is a significant heritage building that's in the process of a revitalisation project. It'll be open on the Saturday from 10am–4pm with half-hour tours happening at 10am, 11.30am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Get more info here.
Trevor Mein
THE STABLES AND MARTYN MYER ARENA, SOUTHBANK
The former Victoria Police Mounted Branch stables and riding school has been transformed into the home of the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. The Stables were officially reopened last year with a visual arts wing featuring new artist studios, exhibition spaces and offices. This weekend, you'll be able to take a self-guided tour to the unique octagonal roof and skylight and the multi-purpose Martyn Myer Arena.
As a bonus, you'll also be the first to see the First Commissions exhibition at the Martyn Myer Arena, which showcases the work of 30 emerging artists from across the entire faculty. The artists have reinterpreted classic commissioned artworks from historic moments and recreated them with a modern perspective.
The tours have already booked out, but the space will be open both days from 10am–3.45pm for you to take a walk through. Get the details here.
Open House Weekend Melbourne will run over Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. Head to the website for event details and the full 2019 program.