Australia’s premier open building event, SYDNEY OPEN, returns for its 11th year on Sunday 1 November 2015, with more than 50 of the city’s most treasured and architecturally significant buildings opening their doors to the public.

Presented by Sydney Living Museums, Sydney Open provides Sydneysiders and visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s best loved or hidden architectural gems.

“Sydney Open is a celebration of the city’s architectural heritage, showcasing contemporary architecture and innovative urban design and how it influences the way we live,” said Mark Goggin, Executive Director of Sydney Living Museums.

“We have curated a diverse and exciting program this year that includes landmark towers and cultural places, underground tunnels and sacred spaces across the CBD as well as the thriving Ultimo and Chippendale precincts.”

New in 2015 are University of Technology Sydney’s award-winning Science Faculty building designed by Durbach Block Jaggers in association with BVN Architecture, and the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building designed by architect Frank Gehry, with the ABC Ultimo Centre, headquarters of our national broadcaster, nearby.

In neighbouring Chippendale, visitors can discover the adaptive conversion of the iconic Clare Hotel pub and former Carlton & United Breweries administration building, reimagined by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects into a brand new contemporary hotel. Plus the Kensington Street precinct where a collaboration between architects and artists has transformed classic heritage architecture into a vibrant urban village.

Across the CBD, landmark buildings and Sydney Open program favourites include Australia Square, Deutsche Bank Place, AMP Building, 50 Martin Place and Reserve Bank of Australia. The colonial architecture lining Macquarie Street including Hyde Park Barracks, St James’ Church, Sydney Hospital, Parliament House and State Library of NSW.

The Sydney Open City Pass is the key to unlocking the city’s architectural secrets, providing access to more than 50 sites on the program. In addition, City Pass ticketholders also go into the draw to WIN Golden Tickets to exclusive limited capacity sites including the Central Station Clock Tower and disused Platforms 26 & 27, St James Station Tunnels, St Mary’s Cathedral Belltower, Sydney Town Hall Clock Tower and behind the scenes tours of the Sydney Opera House.

Sydney Open visitors will learn more about the participating buildings from architects, building owners or one of the more than 350 Sydney Open volunteers on site.

“We know Sydney Open devotees love exploring some of the city’s iconic heritage buildings, however art and photography enthusiasts will also enjoy behind the scenes access to surprising art collections and no shortage of amazing photo opportunities,” said Mark Goggin.

Sydney Open
sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/sydneyopen