walk/tour
Meet outside 6 Bolton Street, W1J 8BA
Explore twenty first century architecture in one of London's most luxurious and historic neighbourhoods. This walking tour covers Mayfair's new contemporary developments, discovering architectural treasures, hidden gems and buildings that are designed for our changing climate.
Green Park
14, 23, 38
The tour will end near Grosvenor Square
Walking tour
10:30–12:30
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Largely shaped by aristocratic landowners in the Eighteenth century, Mayfair has undergone constant evolution ever since. The original Georgian elements now blend with Victorian, Edwardian, and thoroughly modern additions. These all combine to create Mayfair's unique architectural character which reflects it sumptuous beginnings, bold ambitions and future visions.
Tour stops include the inventive reuse of existing buildings, re-shaped green spaces, a completely transformed London square and luxurious designs to delight. You will see how the architects of today have integrated modern architecture into an historic neighbourhood, showcasing the balance between preservation and modernisation. These all combine to create Mayfair's distinct architectural character which reflects it sumptuous beginnings, bold ambitions and future visions.
This tour is led by a participant of Open City’s Golden Key Academy – a course training up insightful and engaging guides dedicated to explaining London and bringing its many stories to life. It is part of a wider collection of tours created by Golden Key Academy guides for the Open House Festival celebrating their conclusion of the eight month course.
Further information on the Golden Key Academy can be found here https://open-city.org.uk/golden-key-academy
Drop in / Family activity
institution/profession, scientific, library
The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) moved into Burlington House 150 years ago in 1874. Part of the extension to Burlington House to provide accommodation for learned societies, the building was refurbished in 2007. The RAS is the oldest astronomical society in the world and has been encouraging and promoting the study of astronomy and geophysics since 1820.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1874
Drop in
institution/profession, library, education, scientific
The world's oldest active biological society. Founded in 1788, the Society takes its name from the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus whose botanical, zoological and library collections have been in its keeping since 1829.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1873
Drop in / Guided tour
institution/profession, library, museum
The Society of Antiquaries of London has been exploring the material past since the early eighteenth century. This year we celebrate 150 years of residence in the purpose-built grade II* listed apartments in Burlington House, with its grand galleried library and varied collections. Today's membership of 3000 Fellows are leading experts in archaeology, history, art, architecture, and heritage.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1875
Drop in / Guided tour
institution/profession, scientific
Experience the history, architecture and science of the East Wing of Burlington House, home to the Royal Society of Chemistry. Part of the quadrangle extension to Burlington House, it was purpose built for the learned society.
Robert Richardson Banks and Charles Barry, 1873
