Back for its 17th year, Brisbane Open House has announced its biggest line-up yet.

Taking place over the weekend of the 18 and 19 July, this year’s event features 93 buildings, including a record 16 private homes and various government institutions, commercial towers and heritage gems.

Many of the buildings are joining the ranks for the first time, such as 205 North Quay by Hassell, REX and Richards and Spence, and BlightRayner’s 360 Queen Street tower. There will also be some returning fan favourites, such as ABC Brisbane, Parliament House, Spring Hill Baths, Brisbane City Hall and Brisbane Airport.

The program was launched by Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland, at a special event at the new Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC – one of the 2026 program highlights.

Brisbane Open House co-chair Malcolm Middleton OAM says this year’s event is unprecedented in scale and significance: “This is Brisbane Open House’s 17th year, and we’ve never had a program 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.”

Program highlights

For the sports fans, there’s a chance to peak behind the scenes at the National Rugby Training Centre in Ballymore and walk the stands of The Gabba. Those interested in science can enjoy an exclusive preview of the new lab at the world-leading Translational Research Institute ahead of its opening date.

Of the 16 private homes opening their doors in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects, standouts include the award-winning Balmoral Hillside House by Keiron Gait Architects and the modernist Eisenmenger House in Carina, a 1960s Queensland architecture time capsule designed by architect Barry Walduck. Six apartments from the iconic Torbreck building will also be open to the public, allowing visitors to see how Aubrey Job and Robert Froud’s early high-rise design has endured from the late 1950s.

Walks, talks, tours and events

There are activities for all ages across the two-day event, from a children’s workshop to Ask an Architect consultation sessions. Urban sketching experiences invite design enthusiasts to take in the built world around them, and guided walks of Kurilpa Peninsula exploring the area’s flood resilience and future plans. Art lovers can also attend a free public conversation celebrating the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)’s 20th anniversary or join a UAP Foundry tour to see a live bronze pour and learn about how public art is fabricated.

One of the most-anticipated experiences of the 2026 program is the chance to see one of Brisbane’s new Cross River Rail Stations currently under construction 30 metres beneath the city. This highly-sought-after event will have a ballot for tickets.

“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,” says Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. “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.”

Most of the buildings are open-access over the weekend; however, some require booking in advance. A small number of buildings, particularly private homes, offer pre-booked tours only. Tickets go on sale from midday on Monday 24 June.

Get your tickets and see the full program here.

Top image: National Rugby Training Centre. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones.

Images: Supplied unless otherwise specified.