Overview
As much as we love to travel, it's not often that people remember to actually explore their own backyard. Now, with the return of Open House Melbourne, it's the perfect opportunity to sneak a peek behind the closed doors of the city's most intriguing buildings and private homes, while also hearing from some of the best built environment experts in the business.
In 2026, this much-loved event is stacked with 180 tours, talks and first looks, offering a host of new and notable locations that ensure you're more familiar with our streets than most. With entry to the vast majority of locations free, this weekend-long wander is happening from Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, centred around an aspirational theme: Generous City.
Sun Theatre, Yarraville. Image: Supplied.
Leading this year's lineup are numerous fascinating tours, delving deep into The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre's costume department and rehearsal studios, as well as an aromatic behind-the-scenes look at the ST. ALi Coffee Roastery. Meanwhile, you're invited to explore Thornbury's Rock Posters printing factory, the new Transurban Freeway Control Centre in Footscray and the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio, home to 1000-plus electronic instruments.
"A generous city is something we should all aspire to have. When we think about what makes a city generous, we are exploring how design, creativity and architecture can foster a culture of openness, offering space, care and possibility for its citizens," says Open House Melbourne's Executive Director and Chief Curator, Tania Davidge. "Our mission is to champion good design and inspire public engagement in conversations about the future of our city."
Rock Posters, Thornbury. Image: Supplied.
For those who love to judge homes they could never conceive of affording, Open House Melbourne 2026 also features ten private homes of architectural significance. That includes Materia — a $5.45 million architect-designed home in St Kilda that not only looks incredible but also showcases world-leading Passivhaus techniques for ultra-energy efficiency.
What's more, the 2026 highlights feature numerous first looks for design and infrastructure nerds, including Melbourne Airport's new Drop Off and Pick Up Zones, alongside several returning, unusual favourites. Think the Albanian Mosque in Carlton North, Hawthorn Tram Depot, Sun Theatre in Yarraville, and Melbourne Park with a backstage tour of Rod Laver Arena.
Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio. Image: Supplied.
ST. ALi Factory. Image: Chip Mooney.
Open House Melbourne is happening from Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26 at various locations. Head to the website for more information.
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Top image: Materia by Peter Bennetts.