Open House London is coming… you know, the annual festival where you get to have a peek inside some of London’s fascinating buildings.
This year the festival is running between the 8th and 21st September, with events popping up all across the capital.
In recent years, Open House has seen around 250,000 people use the festival to explore London’s hidden treasures – it’s a brilliant chance for everyone to have a nose around places that are normally closed to the public.
Don’t think it’s all about old historic mansions either, the eclectic programme sees appearances from newly renovated apartments, Gothic chapels, and even a mausoleum! Spooky.
This looks set to be the best Open House London yet – here are a few of our favourite picks from this year’s lineup.
Open House 2022 Highlights
Trellick Tower
This Brutalist beauty is opening up for visitors on a series of guided tours. Step inside one of the most controversial pieces of architecture in the capital, and explore the mind of architect Erno Goldfinger.
During the Trellick Tower Open House tour, you’ll get to get up close and personal with the free-standing service tower and innovative boiler house, as well as learning all about Erno’s life and career.
Dates: 10th + 17th September
Booking: Required
Freemasons’ Hall
It’s hard to miss the striking Art Deco exterior of Freemasons’ Hall. Inside is even more opulent – as you’ll have a chance to see during Open House Weekend.
Enjoy a number of family-friendly activities across the two days, as well as access to the bookshop and museum.
Dates: 10th + 11th September
Booking: Not required.
Royal Opera House
Delve behind the scenes of the Royal Opera House’s historic building in a series of guided tours during the Open House weekend.
Tours allow you to step back in time and enjoy the regality of the palace from the Crush Room, before letting you peek inside a ballet studio.
Dates: 10th + 11th September
Booking: Required
Walter Segal’s Houses
Explore architect Walter Segal’s suburb of 13 self-built houses, crafted using a method which he developed in the 1980s.
A number of different events and tours will be taking place on the 5th September, including films of Walter building the houses, open tours of the innovative properties, and a book launch and talk by the man himself.
Dates: 5th September
Booking: Required
1 Halliwick Road
1 Halliwick Road is a modern refurbishment of an Edwardian property in North London.
The architect, who will actually be on site to answer any questions you may have, used low-energy alternatives to create this swanky home. Think marbled counters, light-wood accents, and earthy tones – in other words, a Japandi dream.
The open house will run from 10am until 5pm, but be prepared to queue as the house can only accommodate 10 visitors at a time.
Dates: 17th September
Booking: Not required
The North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital
Ever wanted to have a nosy around St Barts? Now’s your chance.
The North Wing, which was originally designed by James Gibbs in the 1730s, will be opening up so you can wander up the beautiful Hogarth Stairs, into the Great Hall, and through a special exhibition in the St Bart’s Museum.
Dates: 11th September
Booking: Required
Guildhall
Explore a slice of medieval London at the Guildhall and you’ll get to see the Old Library and the Great Hall in all their glory.
The Guildhall is still in use today – state and civic banquets, meetings with the City of London’s assembly, and the Court of Common Council are all held here.
Dates: 8th – 21st September
Booking: Required
The Bazalgette Mausoleum
One of the most unique places to visit this Open House London 2022 is The Bazalgette Mausoleum. This is a mausoleum made from Portland stone that was built for Sir Joseph Bazalgette – A.K.A, the creator of the London sewer system.
With a striking obelisk perched above a square base, you’ll notice that there are steps leading down towards the entrance of the vault. Head inside if you’re feeling brave.
Dates: 11th September
Booking Not Required
Fitzrovia Chapel
Just around the corner from the British Museum, Fitzrovia Chapel is a Grade II listed chapel that might not look like too much from the outside, but the inside is beautiful.
The Gothic Revival design features impressive golden mosaics and stained glass windows – it makes for a dreamy wedding venue.
Dates: Multiple Dates in September
Booking Not Required
Westminster Station
One of the highlights of London Open House in 2022 – join a tour of Wesminster Station to discover the secrets of this Brutalist spot. The tour will explore the 1999 extension of the Jubilee Line and the architectural features of this popular Tube station.
Dates: 11th September
Booking Required
The Photography Foundation
It’s hard to miss The Photography Foundation’s building – just look for a bright green corrugated cube.
The foundation is opening up its doors as part of Open House London 2022 so that the public can check out a small selection of the foundation’s work – as well as some cool zines.
The best part? You’ll even get to have your photo taken in their pop up studio.
Dates: 18th – 21st September
Booking Not Required
The Department Store
No, we’re not talking about Selfridges on Oxford Street. This Department Store is the Edwardian building that was totally revamped in 2017. It’s now the workspace of architect firm Squire and Partners, who will be on hand during the day to talk more about the building.
Dates: 17th September
Booking Not Required
Brunel Building
A striking office block, the Brunel Building sits opposite the canal in Paddington and has a bold exo-skeleton covering the outside of the building. It may be mundane in the sense that it is used for offices, but the architecture is anything but.
Psst… Make sure you check out the rooftop terraces for dreamy views of the city.
Dates: 18th September
Booking Not Required
