- This event has passed.
Open House Thessaloniki 2024
November 18 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Open House Thessaloniki 2024 returns on November 23 and 24, showcasing over 70 open buildings and parallel events to celebrate the city’s architectural heritage. This year, the festival highlights the theme of “Accessibility and Inclusion,” promoting designs that are welcoming and functional for everyone. Free guided tours, led by volunteers, will allow visitors to explore Thessaloniki’s architectural evolution, blending historical landmarks with contemporary innovations.
Engaging Events Leading Up to the Festival
The festival begins a week earlier with a variety of activities. Made in Thessaloniki offers insights into local craftsmanship, where artisans demonstrate traditional techniques alongside modern innovations. Open Walk explores Thessaloniki’s port, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of this historically significant area. Open School offers students guided tours on November 18 and 22, encouraging educational engagement with the city’s architecture.
Accessibility Features of the Event
This year’s focus on accessibility includes tools such as website filters, special signage for accessible buildings, and livestreamed tours to broaden participation. Visitors with visual impairments can access tactile maps and a 3D model during Open Walk, created in collaboration with Mind the Map. English-language tours will also be available, enhancing the festival’s inclusivity for international attendees.
Exhibitions Highlighting Accessibility and Innovation
Two exhibitions complement the tours. “Building Futures Together” is a traveling exhibition exploring sustainability and architecture through perspectives from Open House events across 12 cities. “Vorbitten Tape” by Alexandros Kapetanou challenges symbols of exclusion in urban spaces, using red-and-white tape to create thought-provoking designs that question boundaries.
Interactive Competitions and Participation
Interactive activities invite attendees to engage further. Open Photo encourages sharing festival moments on Instagram, while Open Your Map allows visitors to collect stamps from various sites to create a unique souvenir. These competitions enhance the participatory spirit of the event.
Open House Thessaloniki’s Broader Mission
As part of the Open House Europe program, Open House Thessaloniki 2024 emphasizes architecture as a tool for positive social and environmental change. By focusing on accessibility and inclusion, this year’s event aims to inspire and educate diverse audiences.
Finally, find out more on ArchUp: