Brisbane Open House will return in July with one of its most expansive programmes to date, offering public access to 93 buildings across Greater Brisbane, including a record 16 private homes and more than 30 first-time participants. Now in its 17th year, the annual event will provide visitors with behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most significant architectural, cultural and civic landmarks.

Scheduled for Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, the 2026 edition will unlock access to a diverse collection of buildings, including major government institutions, heritage landmarks, city-shaping commercial towers and private homes, many for the first time. Ticket availability has also been increased following strong demand for last year’s event.

Queensland Performing Arts Centre.jpg — *Queensland Performing Arts Centre*

The 2026 program was officially launched by the Governor of Queensland Dr Jeannette Young at the newly completed Glasshouse Theatre within the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, one of several major additions featured in this year’s line-up.

Describing this year’s event as unprecedented in scale and significance, Brisbane Open House Co-Chair Malcolm Middleton says, “This is Brisbane Open House’s 17th year, and we’ve never had a programme quite like this. All eyes are on Brisbane right now – the city is transforming at pace as we count down to 2032.”

“There is no better way to experience the transformation than exploring the buildings that have shaped Brisbane’s past and are shaping its future and hearing from the architects behind them,” he adds.

*360 Queen Street | Photo: Scott Burrows*

New buildings

More than 30 buildings will make their Brisbane Open House debut in 2026, providing access to a range of recently completed developments.

Among the newcomers are several prominent additions to Brisbane’s skyline, including commercial towers at 205 North Quay and 360 Queen Street, along with the striking residential development at 443 Queen Street. Visitors will also have the opportunity to preview a laboratory within the Translational Research Institute before it officially opens.

The programme also includes venues connected to Brisbane’s sporting future, including the National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore as well as The Gabba ahead of its post-2032 redevelopment.

Translational-Research-Institute_Unknown_1774929322.jpg — *Translational Research Institute*

Returning favourites

A number of popular locations from previous years will also return, including ABC Brisbane, Brisbane City Hall, Government House, Brisbane Airport, Port of Brisbane, Parliament House, Spring Hill Baths, Old Government House, Roma Street Fire Station and many more.

Brisbane-City-Hall_City-Hall-Brisbane-City-Council_1745454040-scaled.jpeg — *Brisbane City Hall*

Explore architect-designed homes

This year, a record 16 private homes will open their doors in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects, providing rare opportunities to experience architect-designed homes that are not ordinarily open to the public. Featured residences include Balmoral Hillside House, a collection of apartments within the heritage-listed Torbreck complex and the well-known modernist residence Eisenmenger House.

Torbreck Penthouse.jpg — *Torbreck Penthouse | Suzanne Bosanquet Architect | Photo: Lachlan Neil*

Talks, walks, tours, and special events

Beyond building access, the event will offer a broad programme of talks, guided walks and special experiences. Visitors can explore the Kurilpa Peninsula, attend a public discussion celebrating two decades of the Gallery of Modern Art, or participate in a behind-the-scenes tour of the UAP Foundry.

Additional activities include children's workshops, architect consultation sessions, urban sketching experiences and one of the event’s most highly anticipated opportunities: a ballot for visitors to descend 30 metres below ground and inspect a Cross River Rail station currently under construction.

st-johns-cathedral-low-res-credit-beile-zhang (1).jpg — *St John's Cathedral | Photo: Beile Zhang*

According to Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the event continues to provide residents and visitors with a unique perspective on the city.

“Each year, this event reminds us that Brisbane is more than just the places we pass through every day. It’s a city full of history, character and stories waiting to be discovered. Every building has something to tell us about who we are, where we’ve come from and how we’re shaping Brisbane’s future. This event is one of many free and affordable experiences available across the suburbs, giving residents and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.”

Eisenmonger House 2.jpg — *Eisenmenger House*

While the majority of participating buildings will remain freely accessible without reservations, a limited number of experiences, including tours of private homes, will require advance bookings.

Tickets will be released from midday Wednesday 24 June at brisbaneopenhouse.com.au.

Main image: 443 Queen Street | All images supplied

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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