Open House Festival

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Balloted Buildings

A collection of some of our most popular buildings, providing the chance for visitors to win two tickets for a chosen time.

Guided tour

10 Downing Street

government

10 Downing Street has been the residence of British Prime Ministers since 1735. Behind its famous black door the most important decisions affecting Britain for the last 284 years have been taken.

William Kent, 1735

Guided tour

BBC Broadcasting House

media

First ever purpose-built broadcast centre in UK, and a jewel of Art Deco design with original artworks by sculptor Eric Gill. Remodelled and extended in 2006/2013 by architects MacCormac Jamieson and Prichard/Sheppard Robson.

G Val Myer, 1932

Walking tour

BT Tower

offices

An enduring, distinctive feature of the London skyline for the last 54 years, this is a rare opportunity for members of the public to visit the famous revolving floor, 158m above the capital. After the flight the guests can watch a history of the BT Tower film in our auditorium.

Eric Bedford and G. R. Yeats, 1965

Drop in / Guided tour

London Museum, West Smithfield

museum

Join us to find out more about our incredible journey to create a new museum for London. Enter the ballot for a special tour of the General Market and Poultry Market (currently in construction), or come along to take part in free family-friendly drop-in activities.

Sir Horace Jones, 1883

Morden College is a charity dedicated to supporting older people, founded in 1695 by the pioneering merchant, Sir John Morden. The original 1695 Grade I listed Quadrangle by Edward Strong, Sir Christopher Wren's master stonemason, has provided older people with accommodation for over 300 years. Across the site and beautiful grounds, the John Morden Centre, a new community space, won the RIBA Stirling prize in 2023.

Mae Architects, 2021

Guided tour

Trellick Tower

residence, housing

Goldfinger's 31-storey social housing tower is one of London's most remarkable high-rises. Monumental, with its free-standing service tower and triumphal boiler house, Trellick retains beautiful detailing and a rich use of materials.

Ernö Goldfinger, 1972