Bendigo’s impressive architecture is set to open its doors for public viewing on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October as Open House Melbourne has partnered with the City of Greater Bendigo to extend its program to the region for the first Open House Bendigo experience.
After the success of launching the first regional program in Ballarat in 2017, Open House Melbourne is committed to hosting a regional program annually throughout Victoria.
The two-day weekend event will see a series of private homes, commercial and civic buildings and buildings of architectural significance open their doors for viewing, allowing locals and visitors alike to see inside iconic buildings and spaces that are not normally open to the public.
“We are delighted to be hosting Open House Bendigo for the first time this year” said City of Greater Bendigo Mayor, Cr Margaret O’Rourke. “Bendigo has some very beautiful and interesting architecture that will be wonderful to share with visitors and residents alike. Open House has become a much-loved event in Melbourne and Ballarat, and we are very excited to be able to host Open House here in Bendigo.”
The full program of 20-25 buildings along with a series of talks and public programs will be announced at the official launch in late September. In addition to the city’s significant architectural heritage, Bendigo is experiencing rapid growth and major development in the built environment. Open House Bendigo aims to give permission for everyone to exchange views and engage in the discussion about the future of Bendigo as a well-designed city.
The Open House model, first started in London 25 years ago, facilitates opportunities for a city’s inhabitants to directly experience how well-designed cities can improve their lives, by opening examples of architectural excellence to the public. These experiences stimulate dialogue about architecture and learning, which empowers people to advocate for a well-designed built environment.
Open House Bendigo will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October 2018. For more information, visit: www.openhousebendigo.org for details.
Image: Bendigo to host its first Open House Weekend in October (supplied)