Brisbane Open House is back with the biggest program in half a decade

Brisbane Open House has been unlocking the doors of our city since 2010, enabling us to discover and engage with a wide range of buildings and spaces through guided and self-guided tours.  

This year, 91 buildings are taking part in the program, with an additional 45 talks, tours and walks, 40 heritage treasures—and for the first time in five years, ten private, architect-designed homes.   

Some venues, like private homes, require bookings, while others allow general access within set times. Be sure to mark your calendar for the 5 July when online bookings open to secure your spot! 

Program highlights 

• Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron - a vibrant playscape where architecture, art, and nature converge.  

• Government House also known as Fernberg, the official residence and workplace of Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, Brisbane Open House Patron and State Library of Queensland Patron 

• Thomas Dixon Building, originally a shoe and boot factory, it is now the home of Queensland Ballet. 

• And popular with the little ones, ABC Brisbane shows you how stories are produced for TV and radio, while Roma Street Fire Station takes you behind the scenes of the busiest fire station in Queensland. 

State Library tours  

State Library Of Queensland is pleased to once again join the free event, opening our doors to the public with general access plus a range of tours and activities over the Brisbane Open House weekend. 

• Architect Tour of State Library (booking required) – explore our award-winning building with architect Lucas Leo and learn the architectural history of Queensland’s major cultural collecting institution. 

• Behind the Scenes Tour of State Library (booking required) – go behind the scenes to see how our collections are stored and cared for in the Repository and Conservation Lab, then handle curated items a white gloves experience. 

There will also be activities on offer at the library across the day, including:  

• Open House at The Edge - decorate your own free miniature woodcut of a classic Brisbane house or building to take home. Each piece was cut on The Edge's very own laser cutter. 

• Scavenger hunt (self-guided) - Are you a keen explorer? Are you a master of puzzles? Then get excited and jump into our scavenger hunt. This interactive onsite experience gets you collecting clues and completing challenges to uncover top secret library spaces, learn remarkable history and culture and explore the incredible artworks unique to our building. 

Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries tour 

As part of Brisbane Open House, Anzac Square and Memorial Galleries will offer a free 30-minute guided tour exploring the history behind Queensland’s pre-eminent war memorial. Bookings are required.  

Bookings for State Library’s Brisbane Open House tours will open on Friday 5 July.  

View the Brisbane Open House website at http://brisbaneopenhouse.com.au to plan your itinerary, book tours and find out opening times for all participating buildings.