Brisbane Open House 2023 Will Unlock 70-Plus Buildings and Precincts for the Public Over One Big Weekend

For Brisbane's architecture fans — plus folks keen to sneak a behind-the-scenes peek at the city's spaces — Brisbane Open House is one of the event highlights of every year. For a couple of days, it lets folks swap their own four walls for some of Brissie's most famous places. Sure, you've seen a show at Brisbane Powerhouse, taken a dip at the Valley Baths, enjoyed a drink at the Jubilee and Wickham hotels, and tucked into cake at the Shingle Inn, but you probably haven't ventured past the public areas.

Think of Brisbane Open House as a key that gets you access into the River City's buildings, structures and precincts — and seeing past Brisbane's well-known facades, even stepping through nooks and crannies that aren't usually open to everyone — across Saturday, July 15–Sunday, July 16 in 2023. After a two-weekend event in 2022, this year's run is focusing the fun on one, with more than 70 different spaces welcoming in visitors.

Paul Knie

The range of places taking part is impressive, spanning everywhere from arts precincts and museums through to live performance venues and landmarks. In the CBD and Spring Hill area, that includes Anzac Square, Brisbane City Hall, Museum of Brisbane, Parliament House, Old Government House, Roma Street Fire Station, Roma Street Parkland and St John's Cathedral. And, in Bowen Hills, Herston and Windsor, the Old Museum, Our Lady of Victories Catholic Church and the old Windsor Council Chambers are on the list.

Or, you can scope out 4ZZZ, a heap of buildings around the University of Queensland, Heritage Lanes, Brisbane Cruise Ship Terminal, ABC Brisbane, Griffith Film School, Queensland Theatre, Princess Theatre, the State Library of Queensland, Fish Lane and Queensland Ballet's Thomas Dixon Centre.

Seeing another side of Brisbane spots you've been to before is quite the drawcard; however, this event also lets attendees wander around noteworthy residential spaces. Private homes haven't been on the itinerary for a few years — a pandemic will do that — but they're back again in 2023.

This year's full lineup also includes Spring Hill's Old Windmill, Howard Smith Wharves, South Bank Parklands, QPAC and Wivenhoe Dam, all spaces that Brisbanites love stepping inside. In fact, they're so popular that they're already booked out for this year's Brisbane Open House stint. Cross your fingers that they're back on the list in 2024.

Paul Knie

Kim Williams