Sydney Open returns on 2nd November with its largest program to date, offering access to more than 55 buildings, spaces and special tours across the city. Presented by Museums of History NSW, the annual event is now in its 21st year.

The one-day celebration of architecture and design provides behind-the-scenes access to iconic places rarely open to the public, alongside hidden spaces that tell stories about Sydney‘s development. From historic landmarks to contemporary architecture, the program spans the city’s built environment. “Sydney Open is an unparalleled celebration of Sydney’s built environment—from cherished heritage treasures to cutting-edge architecture,” says Annette Pitman, CEO of Museums of History NSW.

The program includes several architectural highlights and live activations. The Talks & Tours schedule has been released, featuring opportunities to meet the architects behind two of Sydney’s newest landmarks.

At Bundarra, Ask the Architects (12pm–3pm)
Meet the creative team behind one of the latest additions to Sydney’s skyline — a strikingly twisted landmark that celebrates the interplay of old and new. Dominic Tanaka Van De Ven from Smart Design Studio and Ben Mitchell from Those Architects will be on site to discuss the design and interior fit-out.

Pier Pavilion, Architect Talks (10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm)
At Waterman’s Cove in Barangaroo, the Pier Pavilion represents eco-conscious civic design, incorporating over half a million recycled rock oyster shells into its façade. Architects Peter Besley and Jessica Spresser will present a series of 20-minute talks throughout the day, sharing insights into the design and construction of this new public space.

Related: Melbourne Design Week 2026 marks a decade of design excellence

The tours, talks and activations listed above are part of the Sydney Open program and are free for ticket holders. However, each tour has a limited capacity and will accept attendees on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to expected popularity, visitors are encouraged to register their interest early on the day.

Beyond the new talks, Naala Badu, the four-level gallery spanning 7,830 square metres, offers behind-the-scenes tours including access to the Tank, Australia’s most dramatic exhibition space. Other featured buildings include Sydney Observatory, Mortuary Station—the only surviving example of Victorian funerary railway architecture in Australia—and Qtopia Sydney, the world’s largest centre for queer history and culture housed in a transformed Edwardian police station.

Recent additions to the skyline also feature in the program. Parkline Place, a 39-storey tower above Gadigal Station, marks midtown’s first new commercial office tower in more than a decade. 1 Elizabeth, opened in 2024, integrates with the new Sydney Metro Martin Place station and the heritage-listed 50 Martin Place.

A Sydney Open City Pass provides full-day access from 10am to 4pm. “Sydney Open is a truly joyful event and a shared experience by thousands who come together to celebrate our city’s architecture, creativity and heritage,” Pitman says. “Whether your passion is architecture, history, innovation, design, photography, or simply enjoying a great day with friends, Sydney Open offers a day of inspiration and discovery across the city.”

Sydney Open
sydneyopen.com.au

Photography
Geoff Ward, James Horan, Brett Lyon, Tom Blachford, Aaron Hargreaves, Brett Boardman, Katherine Lu, Anson Smart, Rob Tuckwell, Martin Mischkulnig, Rory Gardiner, Peter Bennetts, Nicole England, Andrew Worssam, Romello Pereira