Sydney Living Museums will open up 53 of the city’s historic and architecturally inspiring buildings at Sydney Open on Sunday 2 November 2014.

The biennial event offers behind-the-scenes access to award‑winning contemporary buildings and places of historic and modern architectural importance. The organisers say it is a rare opportunity to explore, learn and discover behind the scenes, in the unseen parts, and hidden space of the city’s architectural gems.

The public announcement with event details follows:

Highlights from Sydney Living Museums on Vimeo.

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.

Mark Goggin, Director of Sydney Living Museums said “Sydney Open is a celebration of Sydney’s architectural history, showcasing our urban design and contemporary architecture”.

“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”, said Mr Goggin.

The Sydney Open City Pass is the key to unlocking the city’s architectural secrets. From the Art Deco facade 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 distinguished architect Harry Seidler, changed Sydney’s skyline forever and made an indelible impression on urban 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 reinvigorated 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 magical behind the scenes tour of the QVB. View the magnificent stained glass domes from the inside and climb a spiral staircase to a 360° viewing platform of the CBD.

For a more up-close and personal experience, Focus Tours can be purchased with a City Pass providing exclusive 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 ON SALE Wednesday 17 September 2014 | City Pass from $44 | Buy online at slm.is/open (and register interest)

David Wheeldon

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