Open House London — 17/18 September 2016 - TrustNews Jun 16
Open House London is the capital's version of Heritage Open Days. Founded in 1992 to promote public awareness and appreciation of London's buildings and to stimulate informed debate about architecture.
OHL run regular architecture tours throughout the year but the annual weekend in September opens up over 700 buildings to free public access. The variety of buildings which participate is breath taking - from tiny modern houses built into awkward spaces to grandiose government offices, cutting edge new offices, churches, temples, synagogues and mosques to Victorian fire stations and famous gentlemen ‘s clubs.
Many buildings which are normally open to the public simply open for free that weekend - but that rather misses the point of the exercise. The range of buildings which are not usually accessible to the public at all is extraordinary. Over the years l have visited the Spanish Ambassador’s residence in Mayfair, Marlborough House, the Stock Exchange, the Customs House, the Post Office Tower and 10 Downing Street. My architect god-daughter has dragged me to the furthest corners of Hackney and Brixton to discover amazing new houses carved out of unpromising post-industrial sites.
A guide to all the buildings which will participate in OHL is published during the summer and can be purchased from their website www.openhouse@open-city.org.uk. The guide gives details of opening hours, any security restrictions and whether booking is necessary. Most buildings will have staff members, architects or volunteers on site to answer any questions.
Armed with the guide, stamina and some forward planning, you can visit several buildings in one day. The whole project has been so successful over the past 20 years that the concept has now spread to more than 30 cities worldwide. Again, you can find details of other participating cities on the website.
If you are not otherwise engaged during the weekend of 17/18 September, I do urge you to hop on a train to Waterloo and explore parts of London you would never otherwise have a chance to visit.