The free, two-day festival celebrates the best of architecture, design and the built environment in Perth and its surrounds.
This year there are 53 destinations in the City of Perth.
“Open House Perth is part of a worldwide Open House phenomenon, with millions of citizens taking pride in their past, appreciating the present and looking optimistically towards their urban future,” Deputy Chair Commissioner Gaye McMath said.
“For the eighth consecutive year, Open House Perth will be showcasing great architecture, design and built environment within the city’s boundaries.”
Open House Perth Creative Director Carly Barrett said she encouraged Western Australians and visitors to explore the CBD during the Open House Perth weekend.
“Since our inception, the City of Perth has been a principal supporter, with the heart of the Open House Perth event remaining within the Perth CBD,” she said.
“It’s a great opportunity to support an array of local businesses and experience some of the best WA has to offer in a unique, fun and totally inclusive way.”
Among the structures on show will be the Barracks Arch, which will be open to climb as part of small, guided historical tours with Heritage Perth.
Tours run from 10am to 5pm on 16 and 17 November, with local historians and iCity Kiosk volunteers aiding in the guided tours.
Through a free exhibition, the people of Perth can also revisit the era in which Council House was constructed and learn about the architectural competition that propelled its design.
Developed for Open House Perth 2019, the exhibition Civic Visions | Council House 1954-1963 re-visits the construction of Council House and the context of the 1960s.
Designed by architects Jeffrey Howlett and Don Bailey, the construction of Council House was spurred by the city’s preparations for the 1962 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Only semi-completed in time for the games, and officially opened later in 1963, the result was a distinctly modern structure which marked a turning point for architecture, engineering and aesthetics in the city centre.
The building featured the first window walling in Perth, as well as cladding with sun breakers arranged in the distinctive T-shaped motif.
A selection of furnishings, photographs, objects and artwork are featured in the exhibition to tell the landmark’s incredible story.
Civic Visions: Council House 1954-1963 is open to the public on the ground floor of Council House as part of Open House Perth on 16 and 17 November from 10am to 5pm.
The official opening dates are 7 November 2019 to 17 January 2020.
The City of Perth acknowledges the significance of the land on which Council House is built and its importance to the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, the traditional owners of the Perth region and Swan coastal plains.
For more information, head to openhouseperth.com or visitperth.com.au
Issued by: Brooke Hunter, Strategic Communications Advisor, 0448 610 834, brooke.hunter@cityofperth.wa.gov.au
Photo credit: Official opening of Council House March 1963 by Queen Elizabeth II and Duke of Edinburgh with Lord Mayor Sir Harry Howard and Lady Howard.