Brisbane Open House is a flagship cultural event that invites the public to discover the hidden stories, spaces, and structures that shape our city. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors enjoy free, behind-the-scenes access to some of Brisbane’s most iconic and innovative buildings—celebrating architecture, engineering, urban design, and the rich history of our built environment.
Since its inception in 2010, Brisbane Open House has grown from 16 buildings and 12,000 visits to become a major public design and community festival—highlighting Brisbane’s unique subtropical architecture and built heritage. In 2025, the event achieved significant milestones in visitation, participation, and community engagement, with strong support from building owners, volunteers, and partners.
As part of the global Open House Worldwide network—active in 63+ cities—Brisbane Open House plays a key role in sparking public conversations about the value of good design, sustainability, heritage, and city-making. It inspires civic pride and deepens public understanding of the spaces where we live, work, and connect.
Brisbane Open House will return on 18 and 19 July 2026. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about all our upcoming events.
Our objectives:
- Increase engagement between the city of Brisbane, its residents and visitors through promoting both the contemporary and historical architectural and design highlights of the city.
- Promote public awareness of good and environmentally sustainable design.
- Promote public awareness of the diverse range of professions which contribute to and collaborate in creating and protecting Brisbane’s architectural and design attractions.
- Provide a platform to promote discussion and debate on what influences the shape, experiences, growth and continuing legacy of our city and its buildings.
- Provide tours and programs which explore the key elements of architecture, design, environmental sustainability, and history of buildings.
Brisbane Open House Governance
BRISBANE OPEN HOUSE JOINT PATRONS
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland and Professor Graeme Nimmo RFD
BRISBANE OPEN HOUSE TEAM
Ann Rainbow, Executive Director
Rozzy Middleton, Marketing Director
Image credit: Auchenflower House. Photo: Joanne Thies 2019.