Open House Melbourne 2026: Generous City

Centred on the theme “Generous City”, the Open House Melbourne Weekend highlights exemplary architecture and urban design by providing public access to a broad selection of buildings, places, and spaces across Melbourne. The event encourages active participation from architects, design practitioners, building custodians, and community groups, offering open-access experiences as well as pre-booked tours, talks, exhibitions, and walks. It aims to foster wide-ranging discussion about the future of Melbourne’s urban environment, highlighting principles of inclusivity, equitable public spaces, and architectural empathy.

The program targets professionals and communities with interests in architecture, urban design, heritage, sustainability, equity, and civic engagement. It emphasises the significance of design in creating cities that are open, accessible, and caring, exploring how built environments can enable generosity through infrastructure that is accessible, heritage storytelling, and inclusive public spaces. The event underscores the role of collaborative design in cultivating a sense of belonging, care, and reciprocity within Melbourne’s urban landscape.