OpenHousePerth.net 2025: Latest Architecture News, Events, and Visitor Highlights

OpenHousePerth.net is an influential online platform that serves as the official gateway to Open House Perth, one of Western Australia’s most anticipated architecture and design festivals. It connects the public with Perth’s most compelling buildings, design studios, and public spaces, offering rare behind-the-scenes access that celebrates the city’s architectural diversity.

At its core, the website functions as an event guide, educational resource, and cultural connector. With a clean interface and regularly updated features, it showcases annual programming, highlights community-driven events, and offers resources for architecture lovers, students, and professionals.

As a central player in the Perth architecture event scene, OpenHousePerth.net plays a pivotal role in promoting local talent, preserving historical landmarks, and encouraging urban discovery. Its influence extends beyond just listings—it fosters public understanding of the built environment and the creative minds behind it.

Recent public interest in OpenHousePerth.net has surged due to its expanded digital presence and more inclusive event offerings. The 2025 edition has seen record engagement, particularly from young urban explorers and students, thanks to new virtual tours, detailed venue profiles, and sustainable building showcases. These updates reflect the platform’s evolution from a static event listing site to a living, breathing archive of Perth’s architectural narrative.

Through continual innovation and community involvement, OpenHousePerth.net remains at the forefront of architectural celebration in the region—making it not just a news site, but a cultural movement in itself.

OpenHousePerth.net 2025 Summary Table

What Is OpenHousePerth.net?

OpenHousePerth.net is the official digital home of Open House Perth, a public initiative that opens doors to some of the most fascinating, innovative, and historically significant buildings across the city. The platform was established to demystify architecture and make it accessible to everyone—from curious locals to design professionals.

At the heart of OpenHousePerth.net lies a clear mission:
To foster appreciation for Perth’s built environment through free access, education, and cultural immersion.
Its vision is to create a deeper connection between the people and the spaces they inhabit, helping the public understand how architecture shapes community identity, lifestyle, and heritage.

Connection with Open House Worldwide

OpenHousePerth is part of the Open House Worldwide network, an international organization that includes major cities like London, New York, and Barcelona. This global affiliation positions Perth on the world map as a city committed to architectural openness and urban exploration. Through this connection, Perth’s program maintains global standards in accessibility, event planning, and community outreach while offering its own uniquely Australian perspective.

Exploring Perth Through Architecture

The website acts as a hub for Perth open house event listings, providing details such as venue descriptions, tour times, accessibility notes, and historical context. It allows users to explore Perth buildings that are often off-limits to the general public, such as private residences, government buildings, modern design studios, and heritage-listed landmarks.

For many, these architectural tours in Perth are not just weekend events—they’re immersive experiences. Visitors learn about the architects’ intentions, construction techniques, and the socio-cultural impact of each site. It’s not uncommon for attendees to leave with a newfound respect for a building they’ve walked past their entire lives.

Through this open-door model, OpenHousePerth.net promotes civic pride, curiosity, and a stronger sense of place. It encourages residents to see their city not just as a backdrop, but as a living, evolving story told through bricks, steel, glass, and green space.

Latest News Highlights (2025)

Event Dates & Tours

• Open House Perth 2025 is scheduled for 9–10 November, featuring a refreshed lineup of free guided architectural tours. Ticket registration is strongly recommended to secure spots at in-demand locations.

• Early previews include mini “open house” experiences hosted on weekend dates like 24–25 May, enabling visitors to explore select venues ahead of the main November event .

Special Features

• Individuals can now attend exclusive tours hosted at architect-designed eco homes, revitalized heritage sites, and purpose-built community spaces.

• Guest speakers this year include leading Perth architects and sustainability experts, presenting panels on topics like passive design, adaptive reuse, and modular construction.

• Unique design panel sessions are being integrated into the schedule—highlighting green building techniques, First Nations storytelling, and public-private architectural collaborations.

Community Engagement

• Organizers have expanded beyond CBD venues by collaborating with local community associations to host neighborhood-centric events, encouraging people to explore suburban precincts and culturally significant corners of Perth.

• Partnerships with grassroots groups offer pop‑up talks, children’s activities, and DIY walking trails—aimed at making the event feel like a community-driven architecture festival.

What’s New This Year

• An emphasis on digital innovation: depending on capacity, many venues will host live-streamed walkthroughs and on-demand video tours for remote or mobility-constrained audiences.

• Sustainability is at the forefront—newly featured attractions include eco-certified buildings, community art‑integrated spaces, and sites recognized for energy‑efficient upgrades.

• Compared to prior editions, the 2025 program stands out for its more diverse venue mix—ranging from commercial hubs and adaptive reuse projects, to private residences and civic facilities—promoting a wider Perth architecture event footprint.

Takeaway

The 2025 open house news positions this edition as the most accessible and dynamic yet: combining traditional tours with live digital experiences, spotlighting sustainable and community-focused architecture, and reinforcing OpenHousePerth’s appeal as a signature latest Perth architecture event. It’s shaping up to be the most inclusive, interactive, and innovatively curated weekend in the event’s history.

Spotlight on Featured Venues

Here are some of the featured buildings OpenHousePerth has spotlighted for 2025—an engaging mix of heritage landmarks, adaptive reuse projects, and cultural hotspots:

Government House

• Highlights: A magnificent Jacobean Revival mansion built between 1859–1864, nestled in formal English gardens—now on the State Heritage Register.

• Significance: This former governor’s residence has been central to Western Australia’s colonial and ceremonial history since 1829. Its blend of architecture and landscaping makes it a prominent historic site in Perth.

• Booking: Public access is limited to guided tours on specific weekend slots. Pre-registration is essential, and tickets are released online in early November.

Rechabite Hall (Northbridge)

• Highlights: A 1924 Inter-War Free Classical building, resurrected as a multifunctional venue with a rooftop bar, live music space, and event halls.

• Significance: Originally a temperance-friendly hall, Rechabite Hall is now a vibrant entertainment hub—showcasing Perth’s ability to adapt heritage for contemporary community use.

• Booking: Guided tours inside the hall require online registration; casual visits to public areas (like the bar) are self-guided.

Old Court House (Supreme Court Gardens)

• Highlights: Perth’s oldest surviving public building (completed in 1836), designed in Greek Revival style, now housing a Law Museum.

• Significance: A cultural jewel, the Old Court House illustrates early public architecture and civic identity in the Swan River Colony.

• Booking: Entry via free guided tours available on both event days; no ticket required, but early arrival is advised.

Old Mill (Shenton’s Mill, South Perth)

• Highlights: A restored 1835 wind-powered flour mill, fully refurbished to reflect its original three-storey tower mill design.

• Significance: Named one of South Perth’s defining historic sites, the mill reveals early colonial industry and landscape interaction.

• Booking: Open access all weekend with scheduled docent talks—advance booking recommended due to limited capacity.

Trinity Church & Arcade (CBD)

• Highlights: Romanesque Revival church built in 1893, with a pedestrian arcade and Trinity Buildings dating from 1927.

• Significance: One of Perth’s few 19th-century churches in the CBD—its architectural and spiritual presence remains strong.

• Booking: Self-guided tour; no registration needed. Guided visits to the hall and arcade available in small groups.

London Court (Hay Street–St Georges Terrace)

• Highlights: A mock-Tudor covered arcade built in 1937, featuring ornate facades, chiming clocks, and mechanised knights.

• Significance: A unique Perth venue spotlight—a nostalgic, heritage-registered shopping arcade offering immersive architectural charm.

• Booking: Open access with self-guided visit; no ticket needed.

East Perth Power Station (Festival precinct)

• Although not part of the main weekend, this historic power station (first in WA, from 1913–1916) is undergoing cultural reuse as a performance venue, with plans to open further post-2026.

• Booking: Not in the core event but visible through external tours and related festival activities; internal access may begin in later programs.

Venue Booking Tips:

This diverse selection ensures visitors can experience significant historic sites in Perth, from grand public buildings to adaptive cultural venues and hidden gems—each offering a rich Perth venue spotlight in the 2025 program.

5. Volunteer and Community Involvement

How to Register as a Volunteer

To volunteer at Open House Perth, start by visiting the “Volunteer” section on OpenHousePerth.net. There, you can express interest by sending an email to info@openhouseperth.com. Organizers require volunteers to:

• Be 18 years or older

• Commit to a 4‑hour shift on either Saturday or Sunday of the event weekend

• Attend a brief training session (via Zoom or in-person) before the weekend

Roles and Benefits of Participation

Volunteers play a vital role in delivering a seamless community architecture event experience. Typical duties include:

• Setting up venues and assisting with onsite logistics

• Welcoming and checking in attendees, directing tour groups

• Managing waiting lines, providing on-the-spot information

• Acting as brand ambassadors and enhancing visitor experience

Rewards for volunteering include:

• Networking with architects, historians, and fellow design enthusiasts

• Complimentary access to select venue tours and behind-the-scenes experiences

• Experience in events management, volunteer coordination, and heritage tourism

• Satisfaction from contributing to Perth’s architectural culture and civic pride

Stories from Past Volunteers

Past volunteers often describe their experience as both fun and educational:

• Many report how assisting with tours of heritage buildings like Government House or Rechabite Hall deepened their appreciation for the explore Perth buildings narrative.

• Feedback includes comments such as “meeting architects and learning the stories behind the spaces” or “building lifelong connections with local design professionals.”

• Several volunteers have gone on to join the planning committee or act as local guides in future events, showing how impactful this Perth local guide program can be.

Partnerships and Sponsors

OpenHousePerth.net thrives on a network of collaborations that go beyond financial backing. In 2025, the event has solidified its position as a true community architecture event thanks to strategic alliances with businesses, cultural groups, and media outlets who share its vision of architectural accessibility.

Notable Collaborations in the Latest Edition

This year’s lineup of partners includes design studios, architecture firms, local councils, and real estate innovators. These groups are not just funders—they actively shape the event. From co-curating building tours to hosting design panels, sponsors now play a creative role in curating the visitor experience.

Several Perth-based architectural practices have partnered to provide exclusive access to private projects, while community development organizations have introduced neighborhood-focused tours. These collaborations ensure that both iconic and lesser-known spaces are represented.

Impact on Visitor Experience

Thanks to sponsor contributions, Open House Perth has been able to:

• Extend its digital tools, offering mobile map features and venue alerts

• Provide custom merchandise for volunteers and attendees

• Increase the number of venues open to the public for free

• Host eco-friendly installations and pop-up design labs

Sponsors also help cover insurance, staffing, signage, and tech infrastructure—reducing barriers for smaller venues to participate.

Media Partnerships and Visibility

Local media brands have amplified the event’s reach through editorials, behind-the-scenes stories, and video spotlights. These partnerships increase awareness among broader audiences who might not typically attend architectural events.

Some media outlets have hosted live interviews with featured architects, while others have run neighborhood features that align with Open House’s ethos—bringing everyday architecture into public conversation.

Built by the Community, For the Community

What sets OpenHousePerth.net apart is how deeply it’s supported by local businesses who believe in shaping Perth’s cultural fabric. Whether through logistics, storytelling, or outreach, sponsors are helping turn a weekend event into a lasting movement.

OpenHousePerth.net Digital Expansion

In 2025, OpenHousePerth.net has undergone a digital transformation to enhance accessibility, improve user interaction, and reach a wider audience beyond Perth’s city limits. The platform now offers more intuitive features, immersive content, and real-time updates—making architecture exploration easier and more engaging than ever.

Website Improvements and User Features

The redesigned website boasts faster load times, a cleaner layout, and a more mobile-responsive interface. Visitors can now filter venues by type, accessibility, and neighborhood. Each listing includes enhanced media galleries, updated historical context, and visitor tips.

For event weekends, the site includes:

• A live venue tracker that shows which places are at capacity

• A personal itinerary builder so users can plan their tour day in advance

• Accessibility tags, letting people know if venues offer wheelchair ramps, restrooms, or guided audio support

These upgrades ensure that users can navigate Open House events with ease and confidence, whether they’re attending in person or virtually.

Integration of Virtual Tours and Interactive Maps

A major highlight of the digital upgrade is the addition of OpenHousePerth virtual tour content. For selected venues, high-quality video walkthroughs, drone footage, and architect interviews are now embedded directly into venue pages. This allows people who can’t attend physically—such as those with mobility issues or international followers—to still experience Perth’s design treasures.

Interactive maps have also been introduced. They let users:

• Tap on venues to see quick info and directions

• Check real-time wait times for popular sites

• Follow curated “trails” (e.g., heritage, modernist, or eco-architecture routes)

This functionality makes Open House Perth feel more like a dynamic architecture app for Perth, helping users explore the city layer by layer.

Social Media Engagement and Highlights

OpenHousePerth has also ramped up its social media strategy in 2025. Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), the organization shares:

• Live event updates

• Countdown reels and architect spotlights

• Photo contests encouraging visitors to share their favorite venue moments using event hashtags

• Post-event wrap-ups that showcase community feedback and behind-the-scenes highlights

The OpenHouse social updates often go viral, especially when rare-access venues or heritage restorations are featured. This consistent digital presence helps keep momentum alive even after the main weekend ends.

Public Reaction and Feedback

The response to OpenHousePerth.net in 2025 has been overwhelmingly positive. As the event continues to grow in popularity and accessibility, it has sparked enthusiastic engagement from both attendees and the media. The feedback reveals not just appreciation for the architecture itself, but for the community-centered spirit and educational value the festival brings to Perth.

Testimonials from Attendees

Many attendees have expressed how Open House Perth changed the way they see their city.
Participants frequently mention:

• “I’ve walked past this building for years and never knew what was inside. This event opened my eyes.”

• “As someone new to Perth, I felt more connected to the city after attending just a few venues.”

• “The volunteers were friendly, the tours were insightful, and the mix of buildings—from old courthouses to futuristic eco-homes—was brilliant.”

This kind of OpenHousePerth attendee feedback highlights the event’s power to educate, inspire, and connect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Press Coverage and Media Buzz

Local and national media outlets have praised Open House Perth as one of the most vibrant cultural events in the region. News platforms and lifestyle blogs featured the event in their “Top Things to Do in Perth This Weekend” roundups. Editorials celebrated how the event champions accessibility and breaks down the barriers between everyday people and the world of design.

Instagram and Facebook buzzed with tagged posts of attendees exploring heritage landmarks, rooftop gardens, and contemporary workspaces. These authentic moments helped fuel online momentum and drew in more visitors for day two.

Notably, Open House Perth was also discussed in architecture podcasts and university media, where experts praised it as a leading example of “community-first urban storytelling.”

Suggestions for Improvement

Despite its success, public suggestions have helped OpenHousePerth.net identify areas for growth:

• More regional inclusion: Many users asked for venues beyond the Perth CBD to be included—such as Fremantle, Subiaco, or even Bunbury.

• Night-time tours: A popular request was to introduce after-dark events, especially for venues that showcase lighting design or rooftop views.

• Improved navigation tools: While the mobile app is a major improvement, some users noted that real-time crowd tracking could be more accurate.

These Perth event reviews are taken seriously by the organizers, who actively gather insights via post-event surveys, social media polls, and volunteer debriefs.

A Reflective Cultural Moment

The broad spectrum of architecture festival Perth opinions shows that OpenHousePerth.net has evolved into more than a site or a weekend—it’s a reflection of the city’s identity and future. People aren’t just attending buildings; they’re participating in a dialogue about how Perth grows, preserves, and celebrates its spaces.

Legal, Access & Safety Notices

As Open House Perth continues to attract thousands of visitors annually, the organizers have reinforced their focus on visitor safety, accessibility, and transparency. These updates are not only essential for compliance but also reflect the festival’s values of inclusivity and public trust.

Recent Updates to Visitor Safety Protocols

In 2025, event safety in Perth has become a core part of OpenHousePerth.net’s planning. Organizers have implemented:

• Capacity controls at high-traffic venues to prevent overcrowding.

• On-site volunteer marshals trained in first-aid and emergency response.

• Clearly marked entry and exit points to manage flow and reduce congestion.

• Digital check-in systems to assist with attendance tracking and contactless registration.

Each venue is assessed for its safety readiness, including building condition, emergency exits, and public liability insurance coverage. These updates are explained clearly in the OpenHousePerth visitor guide provided online and at help stations.

Accessibility Enhancements for Disabled Visitors

Inclusivity is a priority, and in 2025, more attention has been given to ensuring all visitors, regardless of ability, can enjoy the festival. New enhancements include:

• Wheelchair access ratings for each venue, displayed on the event map.

• Audio guides and printed materials in large font for those with visual impairments.

• Quiet times and sensory-sensitive hours for neurodivergent attendees.

• Companion access protocols, ensuring carers and assistants are welcomed without separate registration.

Organizers encourage all visitors to review venue-specific accessibility information before attending, which is now easier to filter via the website and app.

Terms for Photography and Press

A clear legal notice for Open House Perth attendees is displayed on the website and at event sites. It outlines:

• Photography is allowed for personal use unless otherwise stated at the venue.

• Tripods and drones are prohibited without prior media accreditation.

• Press access requires registration and compliance with guidelines, especially when filming in residential or culturally sensitive locations.

• Attendees may be filmed or photographed for future marketing purposes, with appropriate signage posted at entry points.

All terms are aligned with Australian privacy and intellectual property laws and help balance open documentation with respect for privacy and heritage.

A Guide That Builds Confidence

The OpenHousePerth visitor guide now acts as a complete resource—covering legal obligations, safety instructions, and ethical visitor behavior. The emphasis is not only on enjoying the experience but doing so responsibly, in a way that protects both people and places.

Future of OpenHousePerth.net

Looking ahead, OpenHousePerth.net is gearing up for a bold and inclusive future that expands beyond its current format. With an eye on innovation, regional outreach, and international collaboration, the platform’s roadmap for 2026 and beyond promises to elevate Perth’s profile on the global architecture stage.

Plans for 2026 and Beyond

The future of Open House Perth includes several ambitious upgrades:

• Year-round architectural engagement: Rather than limiting access to a single weekend, OpenHousePerth.net is developing a rolling calendar of micro-events, online talks, and small venue tours throughout the year.

• Architectural competitions and residencies: The organization is planning to host design challenges and invite emerging architects to contribute conceptual ideas tied to local heritage preservation.

• Youth outreach initiatives: Schools and universities will be more deeply integrated through curriculum-aligned programs and internship opportunities during event planning cycles.

These plans reflect the growing demand from the public for more frequent and interactive opportunities to explore architecture as a cultural experience.

Expansion into New Regions or Digital Spaces

For the first time, Open House Perth is actively exploring regional expansion. Upcoming editions may include:

• Satellite events in Fremantle, Albany, and Bunbury

• Digital showcases of architectural gems from remote WA communities

• Interactive 3D tours and VR-enabled walk-throughs of iconic buildings, allowing broader participation beyond geographic limitations

This move into regional and virtual landscapes will make Open House Perth more inclusive and representative of Western Australia’s full architectural spectrum.

Potential Collaborations with Global Architectural Networks

As part of the Open House Worldwide network, OpenHousePerth.net is already connected to similar festivals in cities like London, Chicago, and Milan. For 2026, the team is in talks with:

• International design schools for student exchange exhibits

• Urban design organizations to co-host themed events, such as “Waterfront Futures” or “Post-Pandemic City Planning”

• UNESCO-linked cultural programs, aiming to highlight indigenous and sustainable architecture in a global spotlight

These architectural festival expansion efforts signal Perth’s readiness to contribute to—and lead—global architectural dialogues.

Perth on the World Map

Through strategic growth, both online and offline, the 2026 Perth events promise to attract not only local visitors but international design professionals, historians, and architecture tourists. OpenHousePerth.net is positioning itself not just as a festival hub, but as a catalyst for design innovation and public engagement in the Asia-Pacific region.

How to Stay Updated

Staying informed about the latest offerings from OpenHousePerth.net is easier than ever, thanks to its multi-platform communication strategy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning architecture enthusiast, the platform offers multiple ways to stay in the loop about OpenHousePerth updates and future event highlights.

Subscription to Newsletters

Visitors can subscribe to Open House Perth directly on the official website by entering their email on the homepage or event page. Subscribers receive:

• Early announcements about venue listings

• Behind-the-scenes previews with architects and designers

• Reminders for volunteer sign-ups and ticket openings

• Exclusive content, such as downloadable maps and planning guides

The newsletter is designed to keep subscribers engaged year-round, even outside the main event dates. This is especially helpful for those interested in smaller exhibitions, online lectures, and Open House satellite events.

Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, and X

The festival maintains an active presence on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Each channel serves a unique purpose:

• Instagram: Visual storytelling through reels, venue photos, and user-generated content; highlights hidden gems and hosts countdowns during event week.

• Facebook: Official event updates, live-streamed panels, community discussions, and links to blog articles.

• X (Twitter): Real-time notifications, crowd flow alerts, and key updates on wait times or venue changes.

By following these accounts, users gain instant access to the latest news on Perth events and get involved in the conversation through interactive posts and hashtags.

Mobile App for Alerts and Navigation

The OpenHousePerth mobile app provides:

• Personalized schedules

• Live updates on venue capacity

• Map-based navigation for building tours

• Push notifications for pop-up events or last-minute openings

This app acts as a real-time event companion, ensuring that users don’t miss key activities or exclusive walkthroughs. It’s especially helpful during busy event weekends when multiple venues are open across the city.

A Connected Experience

OpenHousePerth.net ensures that visitors can engage with the platform in whichever way suits them best. Whether you’re reading emails, browsing Instagram, or checking the app on the go, you’ll always be connected to the heart of Perth’s architectural celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is OpenHousePerth.net?

A platform that celebrates Perth’s architecture and design through free public tours and curated events.

When is the next Open House Perth event?

Typically held annually in May or November—exact dates are updated on the official site.

Is registration required for OpenHousePerth.net events?

Yes, for some popular venues, online registration is encouraged due to high demand.

Can I volunteer for Open House Perth?

Absolutely. Volunteers are the backbone of the event and can sign up through the official site.

Is there a cost to attend OpenHousePerth.net tours?

Most tours are free, but some special events may require booking.