Go Behind the Scenes at The Australian Ballet and a Rock Band Poster Factory at Open House Melbourne

There’s plenty of great design around the city worth paying attention to. Now in its 19th year, Open House Melbourne – Australia’s largest architecture festival – offers a rare chance to step inside some of the city’s usually off-limits buildings over one free weekend.

Founded in London in 1992, Open House now takes place in more than 50 cities around the world, with the aim of making architecture more accessible and encouraging conversations around urban design.

From July 24 to 26, this year’s program features more than 180 tours, talks and events across heritage sites, residential homes, performing and visual arts spaces, churches and more. Plus, get an early look at major developments shaping the city, including Melbourne Airport’s new drop-off and pick-up zones and the Melbourne Quarter precinct opposite Southern Cross Station.

Among the highlights is a behind-the-scenes tour of The Primrose Potter Australian Ballet Centre in Southbank’s Arts Precinct, where you can get a look at The Australian Ballet’s wardrobe archive and rehearsal studios. In Thornbury, step inside the Rock Posters printing factory to see more than 40 years of original music, concert and festival posters once plastered across Melbourne streets. Head to St Ali’s Port Melbourne headquarters for a tour with the coffee roastery’s head of sourcing, who’ll take you through the journey from bean to cup.

The ANZ Gothic Bank Museum and Verdon chambers will once again open its doors for a self-guided tour of the Gothic Revival building. Elsewhere, you can explore Hawthorn Tram Depot, the new Preston Tram Depot, Parkdale Station, take a boat tour of Port Melbourne and get access to players’ areas at Melbourne Park.

The festival also opens the doors to a handful of private homes, including a narrow, three-level East Melbourne residence measuring just five by four metres – as featured on Grand Designs – as well as interior decorator Simone Haag’s ’70s modernist home.

Other participating venues include Melbourne Recital Centre, ACCA, Melbourne Holocaust Museum, Artbank, Collingwood Yards, Villa Alba Museum and La Mama Theatre.

Discover the full program here.

Open House runs from July 24 to 26, 2026.