Melbourne Open House Buildings Announced

How many times have you walked up Fitzroy’s Kerr Street and wanted to have a squiz inside the spiffy new apartments, without having to pretend you’ve got the money to move in? You’re not alone, and that’s the reason for Open House Melbourne - to give everyone the opportunity to engage with the city’s cultural and architectural surrounds, while fostering some civic pride.

OHM will be held over the July 28-29 weekend, and they’ve just announced the 100 buildings to be featured. It’s time to chart your course. Remember to wear appropriate walking footwear people, because most places are a stroll or short tram ride apart.

This is the fifth time that OHM has convinced the government, architecture and design studios, private home owners and major institutions to let the public traipse through their buildings – for free. Most venues will offer free guided tours, with some sites allowing self-guided access. This is your chance to stock up on some impressive general knowledge you can use to wow your next date or visiting rellie.

Did you think the idea of wandering around a children’s hospital when you’re not actually visiting anyone was a bit perverse? Yeah, that’s why we haven’t seen the meerkats yet. Luckily the new Royal Children’s Hospital is on the list, so you can have a guilt-free gander. Also on the program are the Melbourne General Cemetery, the new Hamer Hall and the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection.

Adding to the awesomeness of this event is the new program of tours, talks and activities. For example, during the City of Melbourne Lightning Tours, Ian Dryden (Melbourne City Design Leader) will tell you how he controls the lighting of the city – with an iPhone app. Is anyone else imagining a crazed scientist with the all-powerful red button in their hand? Oh technology!

For the full list of buildings, tour times and all other details and information, check out openhousemelbourne.org.