“Architecture is more than just buildings. It’s about how we shape the spaces we live, work and gather in… and what fills our lives with everyday beauty.”— Malcolm Middleton, Brisbane Open House Chair
We’re thrilled to unveil the 2025 Brisbane Open House program — our most ambitious offering in half a decade. Over the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July, the city will come alive as Brisbane throws open the doors to more than 90 unique buildings, spaces, and stories. From iconic heritage landmarks and cutting-edge contemporary architecture to rarely seen private homes, this year’s event promises an unmatched opportunity to experience the spaces that shape Brisbane’s identity.
The program spans six precincts across Greater Brisbane, giving visitors the chance to explore one area in depth or journey across the city, discovering neighbourhoods both familiar and new. With 91 buildings, 45 talks, tours and walks, and 40 heritage treasures, this is a weekend full of insight, inspiration, and discovery. And for the first time in five years, we’re also reintroducing ten private, architect-designed homes — a highlight for anyone interested in thoughtful, innovative residential design.
NA House by Reddog Architects. Image: Christopher Frederick Jones
The Return of Private Homes
In collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects, these private homes offer a rare glimpse into spaces that are both deeply personal and powerfully designed. From the sunlit interiors of Attic Undercroft House, which reimagines a traditional Queenslander, to the Floating Gable House, created for an artist couple seeking creativity and calm, each residence tells its own story. Other homes, like NA House, demonstrate architectural resilience in flood-prone areas, while Stafford Heights Modern showcases how a modest 1960s home can be respectfully transformed for contemporary living.
Bradbury Playscape at Kedron
New Sites, New Stories
In addition to our residential highlights, 2025 also welcomes a number of new sites into the program for the very first time. Visitors can now explore the elegant Milton House, the colourful Bradbury Park Playscape in Kedron, the creative spaces inside the Morningside School of Arts, and the historic corridors of St Laurence’s College. These newcomers add even greater depth to an already rich program, joining long-time favourites like ABC Brisbane, Newstead House, Roma Street Fire Station, Centenary Pool, Brisbane Arcade, and the Thomas Dixon Centre.
Wivenhoe Dam
Essential Structures
We’re also giving the public unprecedented access to some of Brisbane’s key infrastructure. Visitors can take part in a centenary tour of Brisbane Airport, explore the engineering heart of Wivenhoe Dam, witness the inner workings of the Port of Brisbane, or even descend 30 metres underground to experience the awe-inspiring Cross River Rail cavern at Roma Street.
Brisbane Open House After Dark
The excitement doesn’t begin and end with the weekend itself. In the lead-up to Brisbane Open House, our After Dark series offers twilight events and conversations designed to inspire. From heritage-themed panels and walking tours to a special PechaKucha night at ARUP and an evocative Sahara Beck performance, the program is filled with creative ways to engage with architecture and design after hours.
Get Involved
There are countless ways to get involved. Join a guided walk through a local neighbourhood. Attend a talk, tour or performance. Volunteer your time. Or take part in our annual photography competition, capturing the beauty and details of Brisbane’s built environment. This event is for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned architecture enthusiast or simply curious about the city around you.
Tickets for all talks, walks and special events are now open for booking. While most activities are free, bookings are essential to secure your spot. Tickets for building tours — including access to the private homes — will open at 8:00am on Saturday 5 July, with a small $7 booking fee for selected locations to help cover coordination costs. We encourage everyone to subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss your chance to book as spots do fill quickly.
This year’s program was officially launched by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, at the stunning Thomas Dixon Centre, home of the Queensland Ballet. As Councillor Penny Wolff so aptly said, “Brisbane is a city built on stories — and Brisbane Open House helps bring those stories to life.”
We couldn’t agree more.