Open House Melbourne 2025 – Explore 200+ Buildings for Free This July
Join Open House Melbourne 2025 from July 25–27 and explore 200+ iconic buildings, secret spaces, and historic venues across the city—for free. Perfect for locals, families, and tourists!

🎉 A Winter Weekend Like No Other in Melbourne

Looking for something unique, inspiring, and completely free to do in Melbourne this winter?

Whether you’re a curious local, a first-time visitor, or just someone who loves this city’s rich history and creative architecture, Open House Melbourne 2025 is your perfect weekend plan.

This year’s event runs from Friday, July 25 to Sunday, July 27, 2025, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most exciting lineups yet.

📅 What Exactly Is Open House Melbourne?

Open House Melbourne happens yearly to highlight the city’s architecture, designs, and stories.

Every winter, during one weekend, over 200 buildings and places of different styles welcome people in.

But the most exciting thing about it is The majority of these places are open at no cost.

Every year, Open House Melbourne lets you explore some of the city’s best sites without needing to pay.

You can:

• 🚪 Step inside heritage-listed icons
  
• 🏢 Explore modern designs and rooftop homes
  
• 🕵️ Join underground tours and storytelling walks
  
• 🎤 Attend public talks, workshops, and design exhibitions
  
• 🧭 Discover the city’s lesser-known corners
  

🌆 Who Is It For?

This event welcomes everyone. Whether you live in the CBD or are just in town for a few days, you’ll find something you’ll love.

Perfect For:

• 🧒 Families looking for free, fun, and educational things to do during winter
  
• 🧓 Locals who want to better understand their city’s history and architecture
  
• 🧑‍🎓 Students and researchers interested in design, culture, or city planning
  
• 🧳 Tourists exploring Melbourne on a budget
  
• 🏛️ Architecture and heritage lovers
  
• 🧑‍🎨 Creatives and photographers seeking inspiration
  

🔍 Why It’s So Special

Why is Open House Melbourne not the same as the typical tourist attractions?

Since most historic places are not open for people to visit.

At this event, you get to visit both the private gardens on top of buildings and the secret spots under the city. There is more to Melbourne than the buildings; it includes the people, culture, and prospects for the city in the future.

The theme for this year is ‘.

“Stories of the City”

Expect to hear more interviews and talks that show how the lives of people from the past influenced these places.

🏛️ What Can You Visit?

Here are just a few highlights of what you might explore during Open House Melbourne 2025:

💬 2025 Theme – “Stories of the City”

All of this year’s tours are created to make a personal impact.

Three people will speak in the interview:

Indigenous Elders talking about First Nations architecture

Both architects and city planners expressing their ideas

• Indigenous Elders discussing First Nations architecture
  
• Architects and city planners sharing their visions
  
• Homeowners talking about transforming historic homes
  
• Artists showcasing community-driven design projects
  

Events will include:

• 🔊 Live storytelling sessions
  
• 🎨 Sustainable design workshops
  
• 🥾 Self-guided walking tours with QR codes and mobile guides
  
• 📚 Pop-up history talks and photo exhibitions
  

✅ Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning to attend for the first time? Here’s how to make the most of your Open House Melbourne weekend:

📝 Plan ahead: Many venues (like Parliament House) require booking—and spots fill fast!

📱 Use the official app (launches late June) to see maps, venues, and times.

👟 Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be doing lots of walking.

📸 Bring your camera or phone: You’ll want to snap unique shots of interiors and rooftops.

🚆 Use public transport: Most locations are in or near the CBD. Driving and parking can be tricky.

🍽️ Take breaks: Nearby cafés and laneways are perfect for warming up with a hot chocolate or bite to eat.

📱 How to Join the Fun

1. Save the dates: July 25–27, 2025
   
2. Visit OpenHouseMelbourne.org – the full program goes live in late June
   
3. Create a shortlist of venues to visit—mix booked tours and walk-ins
   
4. Download the official guide or app to keep track of locations and events
   
5. Invite friends and family—this is a great weekend activity to share
   
6. Post your experience with hashtags like #OpenHouseMelbourne2025 and #OHM2025
   

📍 Related Melbourne Winter Guides

For an even better experience, explore these useful resources:

• 🚆 How to Get Around Melbourne Without a Car
  
• 🧤 Winter Events in Melbourne: Full July Guide
  
• 💸 25+ Free Things to Do in Melbourne This Winter
  
• ☕ Where to Warm Up: Best Coffee Shops Near OHM Venues
  

🧭 Rediscover Melbourne

If you grew up in Melbourne or just came to see it for the weekend, participating in Open House Melbourne 2025 will make you appreciate the city in new ways.

After moving, you’ll explore buildings you always passed and get to understand what’s inside them.

Learning about different places, meeting friendly locals, and finding out about Melbourne’s past and future becomes easy through tours.

🏁 Don’t Miss Out!

• 📅 When? July 25–27, 2025
  
• 📍 Where? Across Melbourne – mostly CBD and inner suburbs
  
• 💸 Cost? FREE!
  

✅ Mark your calendar
✅ Book your favourites
✅ Tell your mates
✅ Dress warm—and start exploring

This winter, explore the soul of Melbourne through the walls, halls, and rooftops that tell its stories.

Everything in Melbourne