Overview
Open House Melbourne Weekend feeds the same nosiness that sees us snooping around our neighbours' homes before they go to auction or peering over fences into the gardens of luxury homes. Our curiosity gets the best of us in these moments.
But there's no need to be ashamed of these very human urges during Open House Melbourne Weekend 2024. In fact, on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, you're strongly encouraged to feed the beast by hitting up some of the 170-plus experiences that have been organised for folks just like you.
Armadale House
The team behind the weekend of events is calling for Melburnians to "re/discover their city" by exploring new and old buildings in a range of unique ways.
You can walk across the rooftop of Collingwood Yards, join tours of ten architecturally significant private homes, run around AAMI Park's pitch like the Matildas, step inside heritage buildings that aren't usually open to the public and even explore ArtBank's collection of over 14,000 artworks.
ArtBank Collection
But there's a lot more to Open House Melbourne Weekend than simply exploring properties that are usually closed off to the public – for starters, 27 exhibitions are also running throughout the weekend, while 14 self-guided tours are also on the program.
Plus, you can also expand your understanding of the city by joining some of the 28 talks by designers, architects and artists.
Eyes Open Ride
There's even an opportunity to go on a scooter tour of the CBD with caseworkers from Launch Housing. They'll give firsthand perspectives from people working with those experiencing homelessness.
"Open House Melbourne Weekend is a chance for the curious at heart and lovers of architecture to discover new places and spaces in their city, to re-examine what they have perhaps overlooked and reconnect with beloved favourites," shared Executive Director and Chief Curator Dr Tania Davidge.
WOWA Magic
Secret Laneways Through the City tour. Image by David Hannah
AAMI Park
Open House Melbourne Weekend 2024 will take place at venues throughout the city on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. For more information and to book tickets, visit the festival's website.
Top image: Melbourne Connect and the University of Melbourne Student Precinct Public Space.