Elana Castle interviews Caroline Butler-Brown about Sydney Open, now in its tenth year.

Above: The Mint Building on Macquarie st

A Sydney Living Museums initiative, Sydney Open House opens the doors of over 50 of Sydney’s best loved buildings for a day of urban exploration.

Above: Darlinghurst Fire Station

“Architectural tourism is on the rise and people are increasingly interested in the built environment.,” explains Caroline Butler-Brown, assistant director of creative services of Sydney Living Museums. “Sydney Open house satisfies the public’s desire to connect with some of the city’s most interesting buildings on a deeper level.”

The event offers a city pass tour which offers access to over 40 buildings and spaces in the CBD and Darlinghurst and focus tours which are led by architects, owners and building experts.

“The mix of buildings include colonial treasures, a collection of Seidler sites (to coincide with the upcoming Seidler exhibition at the Museum of Sydney), the opportunity to visit green high rises and walk the corridors of power, a variety of state-of-the-art workplace environments and rare access spaces like basements and rooftops,” adds Butler-Brown.

Above: 50 Martin Place

A highlight includes access to 50 Martin Place. One of the finest Beaux Arts buildings of its time, the 90-year old architectural masterpiece has been repurposed as Macquarie Group’s new global headquarters. The exotic marble-clad interior has been retained and now features circular all-glass lifts and a new steel-framed glass dome that filters natural lights through the building.

Ticket are selling fast.

Sydney Open House
Sunday 2 November
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydneyopen

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