C&G’s Guide to Open House Melbourne

Local Community, Tips & Advice

On the weekend of July 28-29, over 220 of Melbourne’s best-loved buildings will open their doors to the public. In what’s become one of the city’s most anticipated annual events since its inception in 2008, Open House Melbourne is a unique celebration of design, architecture and history. In today’s blog, C&G round up our favourite must-visit southside buildings from this year’s program.

Westbury Street Rooftop Garden

A wasted urban space atop a 1950s apartment block was recently transformed into a lush garden and communal area for residents to enjoy. Open for one weekend only, residents are welcoming the public to explore their new space and offering details and mini-tours on an ad-hoc basis.

The Astor

Everyone’s favourite cosy Sunday double-feature spot, The Astor theatre welcomes you to explore its rich history for the Open House weekend. An icon since 1936, it now stands as one of the very few remaining single-screen cinemas in Australia.

Como House and Garden

Afternoon tea at Como is a southside rite of passage in Melbourne, but for the Open House weekend you can explore the grounds and the house itself. One of the finest monuments of the mid-Victorian era, the stunning 1800s building has plenty of secrets to uncover on your self-guided tours.

Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre

Built in 1885, what is now the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre was formerly the Brighton Town Hall. Home to the Brighton Historical Society, the Brighton Art Society, and the Brighton Theatre Company, the Classical Revival building welcomes members of the public to explore many of the front-of-house areas for Open House Melbourne.

Esplanade Vaults

When passersby make for the sands of St Kilda beach and the beckoning calls of cocktails at Republica, the Esplanade Vaults often go unnoticed. What were once a selection of shops with archway frontages, the Vaults were sealed up when Jacka Boulevard was widened in the 1970s. On Open House weekend, you can take a peek at what lies behind the bricks.

All Saints Church St Kilda East

One of the largest and most decorated churches in Melbourne, the bluestone-clad All Saints Church in St Kilda East is certainly worth a visit this Open House weekend. 2018 marks 160 years since construction commenced, so there’s no better time to explore the beautiful English and German stained glass windows or the life-sized crucifixion scene.

There are plenty of other buildings on show across Melbourne all weekend, so browse the full program to plan your visit and book your tours.