Get the keys to the city
The biennial Sydney Open gives Sydneysiders and visitors alike the rare opportunity to explore and discover hidden architectural gems.
More than 50 of the city’s most historic and architecturally inspiring buildings will be open to the public at Sydney Open on Sunday 2 November 2014.
Presented by Sydney Living Museums, Sydney Open offers behind-the-scenes access to award-winning contemporary buildings and places of historic and modern architectural importance.
“Sydney Open is a celebration of Sydney’s architectural history, showcasing our urban design and contemporary architecture,” says Mark Goggin, Director of Sydney Living Museums. “Sydney Open creates awareness of the buildings that surround our everyday lives, enabling locals to engage with the city’s built environment and explore buildings that they may not usually have the chance to enter.”
The Sydney Open City Pass is the key to unlocking the city’s architectural secrets. From the Art Deco façade of BMA House, or a sneak peek behind the curtains of church-turned-theatre Eternity Playhouse, to the colonial architecture lining Macquarie Street – Greenway’s Hyde Park Barracks and St James’ Church, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Government House.
The City Pass includes exclusive access to Australia Square, the MLC Centre, 9 Castlereagh Street (formerly the Capita Centre), Grosvenor Place and the Cove Apartments. These five towers, designed by renowned architect Harry Seidler, changed Sydney’s skyline forever and made an unforgettable impression on metropolitan architecture around the world.
Fans of contemporary architecture will enjoy access to some award-winning sites, such as Macquarie Group’s new headquarters at 50 Martin Place, where the original 1920s building will soon be revamped with the addition of a glass dome, glass lifts and a widened central atrium to maximise the natural light.
City Pass holders will also have the unique opportunity to win one of 100 Golden Tickets allowing them a behind-the-scenes tour of the QVB.
For a more intimate experience, Focus Tours can be purchased with a City Pass providing special access to unique spaces such as the award-winning Bates Smart Inner House which was transformed from an old church or BVN Donovan Hill’s Kinghorn Cancer Centre where tours will include access to the newly-built labs.
Sydney Open visitors will learn more about the participating buildings with special guided tours from architects, building owners or one of the more than 300 Sydney Open volunteers.
Tickets are on sale Wednesday 17 September 2014 | City Pass from $44 | Buy online at slm.is/open
Governor Phillip Tower, Farrar Place entrance. Photography Claus Huttenrauch
Hong Kong House. Roof lantern above the Grand Stairwell. Photography Michael Anderson
Governor Phillip Tower. Level 61, King & Wood Mallesons. Photography Claus Huttenrauch
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