Here’s Your Chance To Peek Behind Private Doors…

As rude though it may be to peer into a neighbour’s windows, it’s frankly impossible not to look sometimes. Open House Festival is an annual event that celebrates this very human impulse, opening the door for the public to explore some of London’s most incredible homes, iconic architecture and historic addresses. Here’s how to get involved.

Open House Festival, London: A Guide

© Sonny Malhotra

What Is Open House Festival?

Open House Festival was set up in 1992 to do exactly as it says on the tin: open up houses and spaces in order to make London a more accessible city. In particular, it allows unprecedented access to various buildings of historic, cultural or architectural note, through free public tours. During the rest of the year, these venues are almost never open to the public.

2024 Highlights

For 2024, the programme includes access to:

• The Herbarium at Kew Gardens
• The historic BBC studios at Alexandra Palace, as well as Broadcasting House
• The English National Ballet’s Mulryan Centre for Dance
• The British Academy
• The BT Tower
• 10 Downing Street

The festival also provides tours and drop-ins of private residences. You’ll see the immaculate homes of architects and designers – for example, Henning Stummel’s ultra-orange Tin House – which are bound to spark creativity, and perhaps inspiration for your own home. And then there’s also walking tours (a Muslim heritage one, for example, or one exploring Shepherd’s Bush Market) which encourage you to see the city through fresh eyes. Plus, there’s the chance to see come of the capital’s talented craftspeople in action at places like Blackhorse Lane Atelier (denim), the Isokon Collection (furniture) and London Glassblowing. It’s a truly packed programme – and the perfect way to reconnect with our amazing city.

To discover the full programme, visit openhouse.org.uk

When Is Open House 2024?

Open House London runs between 14–22 September 2024.

Do I Need A Ticket?

Some coveted listings in Open House London do require a ticket, and sadly the ballot has already passed. These include 10 Downing Street, Broadcasting House, the BT Tower, the London Museum, the John Morden Centre and Trellick Tower. Make sure you sign up to the Open City newsletter so you don’t miss out next year. Some other events are ticketed, while any Open House events are free of charge and ‘drop in’, meaning you can just show up and enter, though you may have to queue at busy times. You can find all of the events taking place at openhouse.org.uk