Open House Festival

Neighbourhoods

Back to neighbourhoods

St Paul's and Cheapside

The City’s oldest shopping district and historic processional street, surmounted by Wren’s magnificent cathedral, has much to offer including pocket gardens, peaceful churches, the
home of heraldry, and more. Guildhall, Mansion House, and the Bank of England Museum are also within easy distance. An ideal place to stop off for coffee, lunch, or a shopping side mission.

Drop in

Bank of England Museum

museum

The museum is part of the Bank of England rebuilding in the 1930's by Sir Herbert Baker. One room is a reconstruction of 1793 Bank of England Stock Office by Sir John Soane.

Sir John Soane, Sir Herbert Baker, 1925

BSL guided tour / Drop in

Guildhall

civic, library

The City's seat of municipal government since 12C. Grade I listed, rare example of medieval civic architecture. Historic banqueting hall and a site of major moments in British history that is still used today.

John Croxton, 1440

Drop in

Guildhall Art Gallery

gallery

Open daily 10am-5pm. Regular free guided tours 12.15pm & 1.15pm on Tuesday-Sunday, with extra tours on the final Open House weekend. Home of the City of London's art collection, & remains of London's Roman Amphitheatre

Richard Gilbert Scott, 1999

Drop in

Guildhall Library

library

Purpose built over 5 floors to house printed books and manuscripts. Features include former pneumatic tube ticket delivery system and 56 listed translucent pyramid roof lights.

Sir Giles Scott, Son + Partners, 1974

Drop in

Guildhall Yard

miscellaneous, community/cultural, civic

Publicly accessible space outside the spectacular Grade I listed medieval civic Guildhall.

George Dance the Younger, 1789

Guided tour

Mansion House

historical house, civic

The official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, retaining its 18C character, with superb plasterwork and wood carving.

George Dance the Elder, 1739

Guided tour

St Paul's Cathedral - Triforium Tour

religious

Guided tours of the Triforium space to see: items from the cathedral collections including Christopher Wren’s magnificent ‘Great Model’ made in 1673; the recently conserved Library; the Geometrical Staircase and the stunning view from the West Gallery.

Sir Christopher Wren, 1710