Explore Open House Melbourne 2025 - Architecture Unlocked

Trending Seasonal Updates San Perera June 5, 2025

Open House Melbourne 2025 – Discover the City’s Hidden Gems for Free This July

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

In search of an Inexpensive, original, strange and utterly Free thing to do in Melbourne this winter?

Being a local who is interested in knowing more or a firstcomer, in general, a person in love with the rich history of this city and creative architecture, Open House Melbourne 2025 is the fit you need on your weekend plans.

This year the event will be held on the weekends of 25 to 27 July 2025 this looks like one of the most exciting performances of all time.

What Exactly Is Open House Melbourne?

Open House Melbourne a yearly festival to celebrate building, design and architectural narratives of Melbourne.

More than 200 spaces and buildings, both historic and state-of-the-art houses, open their inner world to people during one weekend in winter.

The best thing, however? The majority of them are absolutely free of charge.

It is once an annual chance to get access behind the doors of some of the most interesting places of Melbourne, no ticket required.

You can:

Enter historical monuments under protection by the state 🚪 Step inside monuments of the heritage
Investigate new arrangements and best in class houses that are on the roof
Take underground tours and story-telling walks
Visit talks, workshops, and design shows by finding ways to attend them in your city.
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

So, how is Open House Melbourne any different to your typical tourist destination?

Since the majority of these buildings are not normally open to visitors.

This event opens secret places and exhibition tours with tales behind the scenes and also council vaults under the city together with rooftop gardens in the city. It is not about the buildings but it is about the people, culture and the future of Melbourne.

This year has the following theme:

🗣️ “Stories of the City”

There will be increased real-life stories, interviews, and speeches linking places with the people who lived, worked, or influenced them in one way or another.

Top Places to Visit During Open House Melbourne 2025

Here are some of the standout locations you’ll want to explore this year:

1. Parliament House
🎯 What You’ll See: Grand chambers, the unfinished dome, political history
📝 Booking: Yes – Guided tour required
📍 Location: Spring Street, Melbourne CBD

2. East Melbourne Synagogue
🎯 What You’ll See: 19th-century Jewish architecture, stunning interiors
📝 Booking: No – Open access
📍 Location: Albert Street, East Melbourne

3. Melbourne Town Hall
🎯 What You’ll See: Council chambers, the organ room, clock tower access
📝 Booking: No
📍 Location: Swanston Street, Melbourne

4. Private Rooftop Apartments
🎯 What You’ll See: Sleek modern designs, city skyline views, hidden gardens
📝 Booking: Yes – Limited spots available
📍 Location: Varies – bookings essential

5. Secret Laneways & Tunnels
🎯 What You’ll See: Underground history, converted art spaces, vaults
📝 Booking: Some tours require registration
📍 Location: Flinders Lane, Russell Place and more

2025 Theme: “Stories of the City”

The emphasis of this year makes every tour personal.

You will hear voices of:

The chiefs of First Nations Architecture
Architects as well as City Planners showcasing their dreams
Talks of renovating old homes by homeowners
Artists presenting arts of community driven design projects

There will be events such as:

Live session of telling stories
Practice in Sustainable design
Mobile guides QR code and self-guided walking tours
Photo shows and pop-up history talks

Tips for First-Time Visitors – Open House Melbourne

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

Book in advance: Being able to book is a common requirement of numerous venues (like the Parliament House) and the places will get filled in no time.
View maps, venues and times using the official app (launches late June).
Bring comfortable footwear: you are going to walk a lot.
It is good to carry the camera or phone: You will need a fantastic collection of shots of the rooftops and the inside.
The best way to get around is to 🚆 use the publicly-owned transport system: the majority of establishments are within or close to the central CBD. Parking and driving may be quite challenging.
Take breaks: Hot chocolate and snacks Locally available cafes and laneways are ideal to take a break.

How to Join the Fun

Save the dates: July 25–27, 2025
Visit OpenHouseMelbourne.org – the full program goes live in late June
Create a shortlist of venues to visit—mix booked tours and walk-ins
Download the official guide or app to keep track of locations and events
Invite friends and family—this is a great weekend activity to share

Rediscover Melbourne – Open House Melbourne

You may have lived your entire life in Melbourne or have spent a weekend here, but whatever the case is, Open House Melbourne 2025 is going to alter your perspective of this city.

You will visit the buildings you had seen 100 times before, but now you can discover what they are now.

You will gain some new knowledge, get to know locals who are passionate about the place, and will know how the history and future of Melbourne is being constructed, a brick, a story, and a personal design at a time.