Open House Melbourne

Melbourne’s most intriguing and inspiring venues are opening their doors to the public to experience in-person experiences for the first time since 2019! 2022 boasts one of the largest programs in Open House Melbourne’s history and the first in-person OHM Weekend in three years and Fed Square will be centre stage. We have two thought provoking and unique experiences on offer, both of which are free but be sure to book quickly as they are likely to sell out!

Future Heritage: 2022 Heritage Address with Katrina Sedgwick

As a special closing event for the Open House Melbourne July Weekend, themed Built/Unbuilt, newly appointed CEO of the Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (Map Co), Katrina Sedgwick, will deliver the Heritage Council of Victoria’s annual Heritage Address in partnership with Fed Square.

In this illustrated talk, Katrina will reflect on her experience as a leader in shaping Melbourne’s cultural landscape and on the concept of ‘future heritage’ in response to the following key questions: Many of the world’s most visited and significant art galleries are situated in heritage buildings. How does art interplay with heritage? What are the joys and burdens of creating heritage for tomorrow? And how does ‘future heritage’ inform the significant sites planned under Map Co’s remit? How can heritage and art be integrated into rapidly growing cities and regional centres and how do we recognise the heritage values in places before they are possibly lost?

Katrina’s address will be followed by a conversation facilitated by Stuart Harrison – architect and Open House Melbourne Board President – with the opportunity for audience members to ask questions in response to the presentation.

Sunday 31 July, 6pm-8pm.

This address will also be livestreamed please scroll to the bottom of this page to watch the livestream.

Free, bookings required. Book here.

Fed Square Behind The Scenes – Saturday 30 July

Fed Square is the cultural heartland of Melbourne and its uniquely Australian architecture, inspired by local Indigenous designs and tradition, is both tastefully respectful and strikingly inspired. Deep beneath the iconic Fed Square is an extraordinary network of tunnels and trenches, hidden away from the public. We invite you to join us underneath the city streets to experience the unique space.

Behind the scenes tour unearths hidden locations not normally accessible to the public including the Labyrinth, The Edge, Alfred Deakin Rooftop, North and Central Trench.

Either side of the behind the scenes tour, why not check out the Anything But Square Under Surveillance program? Featuring a large sculpture called The Eyes, the program takes place in the square along with films, DJ performances, food freebies and more.

Tours run 10am, 11.30am, 1.15pm & 2.45pm. Running 75 minutes in groups of 15 people

This event is booked out. Sign up to the waitlist here. Tour participants to meet in front of the stage in the Main Square approx. 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time. Covered shoes are recommended for the tour, which involves staircases and ladders.

2022 Heritage Address Livestream