Every year Open House tempts the architecturally curious side in each of us to roam around both public and privately owned buildings and spaces. Over one weekend, this coming weekend, we’re permitted access to a range of over 800 different buildings from governmental offices, cultural buildings and private homes. For buildings we’re used to frequenting (such as King’s Cross St. Pancras) walking tours operate to give us a little more insight, and for the private homes we usually walk past and wonder, there’s the intimate treat of speaking to the owners and sometimes the architect.
The line up this year is extensive; research beforehand and patience when cuing are necessary, but this is an architectural treasure hunt. It may seem arduous, but gems are almost certainly to be found. Expect to cue for some time if visiting landmarks such as the Gherkin and Lloyds of London but the waits are well worth it.
Here’s a small rundown of the unmissable treats that will undoubtedly draw the crowds.
Pre-book only for this grade l listed building. The re-generation has been widely publicised so whether your familiar or not, a guided tour around one of London’s most famous Victorian train stations is well worth booking.
For those literary fans, cuing will most likely be the order of the day here as tours are on a first come first served basis. Guided tours take roughly 1 hour 1/2 and walk the squares associated with Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) and Lloyds of London
Every year the line of the this cue curls down through Aldgate almost intertwining with those waiting to enter Lloyds of London; with many visitors in two minds which they would prefer! Get here early enough and you may be able to see both before doors close at 2.30PM.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
The new addition to London’s skyline, The Leadenhall Building (c) R Bryant.
Lloyd’s of London.
Cover Image – private home 40a Dawlish Avenue (c) Will Pryce
by Stephanie Clair
Open House returns to London for just one weekend over September 21 and 22 2014.
For a comprehensive list of buildings, tours and spaces open next weekend, visit http://www.openhouselondon.org.uk/