Sydney Open 2014 offers Sydneysiders and visitors alike the rare opportunity to explore and discover hidden architectural gems in the city. The 10th edition of the biennial event will feature more than 50 of the city’s most historical and architecturally inspiring buildings.
Presented by Sydney Living Museums, Sydney Open offers behind-the-scenes access to award-winning contemporary buildings and places of historical and modern architectural importance. Mark Goggin, Director of Sydney Living Museums describes Sydney Open as a celebration of Sydney’s architectural history, showcasing its urban design and contemporary architecture.
According to Mr Goggin, Sydney Open creates an opportunity for residents to engage with the city’s built environment and explore buildings that they may not usually have the chance to enter.
Those interested in taking part in Sydney Open 2014 can take advantage of the Sydney Open City Pass, which will unlock the doors to some of the city’s architectural wonders from the Art Deco facade of BMA House and the church-turned-theatre Eternity Playhouse, to the colonial architecture lining Macquarie Street – Greenway’s Hyde Park Barracks and St James’ Church, the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Government House.
Greenway’s Hyde Park Barracks (above) and the Eternity Playhouse (below) will be points of interest for Sydney Open 2014 visitors. Images: Wikimedia Commons and Sydney Open 2012.
The City Pass includes exclusive access to Australia Square, the MLC Centre, 9 Castlereagh Street (formerly the Capita Centre), Grosvenor Place and the Cove Apartments. Designed by distinguished architect Harry Seidler, these five towers changed Sydney’s skyline forever.
The Art Deco facade of BMA House (above) and a variety of Harry Seildler projects including Grosvenor Place (below left) and 9 Castlereagh (below right) will be analysed during the program. (Images: Sydney Open and evc.net.au)
City Pass holders will also have the unique opportunity to win one of 100 Golden Tickets allowing them a magical behind-the-scenes tour of the QVB. For a more up-close and personal experience, Focus Tours can be purchased with a City Pass providing exclusive access to unique spaces such as the award-winning Bates Smart Inner House, or BVN Donovan Hill’s Kinghorn Cancer Centre.
Sydney Open visitors will learn more about the participating buildings with special guided tours from architects, building owners or one of the more than 300 Sydney Open volunteers.
The Sydney Open 2014 event will be held on Sunday 2 November 2014. Tickets to the event will be on sale Wednesday 17 September 2014.
