Open House Festival London 2026

The Open House Festival London 2026 will take place from September 12 to 20, 2026, marking the 35th edition of London’s annual celebration of architecture, design, and the built environment. Organized by Open City, the nine-day festival opens the doors to hundreds of remarkable buildings, homes, workplaces, cultural spaces, and historic sites across all 33 London boroughs, offering the public a unique opportunity to explore the city’s architectural heritage and contemporary urban landscape.

The festival provides free access to the majority of participating venues and activities, making architecture and design accessible to a wide audience. Visitors can discover spaces that are normally closed to the public, including private residences, government buildings, infrastructure projects, corporate workplaces, and industrial sites.

A diverse program of activities accompanies the open buildings, including guided architectural tours, neighborhood walks, cycling routes, expert talks, design discussions, and educational experiences. The festival also features a range of family-friendly activities and creative workshops, introducing younger visitors to architecture, design, and the urban environment.

One of the festival’s highlights is the opportunity to explore hidden and rarely accessible spaces across London, providing insights into the history, design, construction, and everyday use of the city’s buildings and neighborhoods.

While many venues operate on a first-come, first-served basis, selected high-demand activities require advance booking. Visitors can use the official festival program and interactive maps to plan their routes, discover participating venues, and check individual access requirements.

With its combination of architecture, history, design, education, and community engagement, Open House Festival London 2026 offers an exceptional way to experience London from a new perspective and discover the buildings and places that shape the character of the city.