The programme for Open House Dublin was launched this evening by Josepha Madigan, TD, Minister for Culture Heritage and the Gaeltacht at Smithfield Fruit and Vegetable Market, which also features on the festival line-up. Speaking at the event, Minister Madigan said:

“Open House Dublin provides us with the opportunity to explore and experience the outstanding architecture that surrounds us here in our capital, showcasing our buildings and public realm as an expression of our identity. This year’s event will encourage discussions on the responsibility of a city, and of the people who create, live and work in it; focusing on such key  subjects as the climate crisis as well as collective action and quality design.”

Open House Dublin 2019 will run from 11 – 13 October, and will focus on the theme of ‘City in Motion’. 121 buildings across the city will throw open their doors to the public for the festival weekend, with 160 events – ranging from building tours to family-friendly workshops – taking place. Speaking at the launch of Open House Dublin, Nathalie Weadick, Director of the Irish Architecture Foundation, said:

“Architecture is woven into the fabric of our lives – it dictates how we live, travel, work, learn, and socialise. Open House Dublin is an opportunity to take stock of the architecture around us and celebrate its significance and contribution to our lives.”

“This year’s theme – ‘City in Motion’ – allows us to question the sort of city we want Dublin to be. Over the course of the festival, we’ll have discussions on the responsibilities of a city, and of the people who plan, design, build, live and work in it; and we’ll focus on subjects such as the climate crisis, collective action and quality design.

“This year’s programme also demonstrates the huge wealth of architecture talent we have in Ireland today – and the legacy of past architecture. It has something for everyone: private buildings of historical significance, innovative residential solutions for contemporary architecture fans, and expert tours of some of our best-loved buildings.”

Programme highlights
Programme highlights for Open House Dublin include:
● The ‘Big Debate’, taking place on Friday,  October 11, will respond to the ‘City in Motion’ theme and ask key people in business, politics, architecture and culture What kind of City Do You Want?
● Tours of the National Maternity Hospital; Stanhope Street Secondary School Canteen; and the Confucius Institute for Ireland, amongst many other buildings of architectural significance.
● A bike tour of public housing.
● OHD Plus: a series of exhibitions, tours and talks for people interested in learning more about the city’s architecture.
● Cohousing Café, an open networking and information event about co-housing, with input from experts in the area.
● Open House Junior: a series of architecture-themed events for young people aged 7 to 17, including “architreks” and an interactive workshop with Dublin City Architects, where they will share tips on how they draw buildings.
● Tours of private residential homes with design features by leading architects such as Ryan Kennihan, ABGC, Robert Burke, and GKMP.

Also speaking at the programme launch was Joann Hosey, Provincial Director of Bank of Ireland in Dublin, the headline sponsor of Open House Dublin.

“We are delighted to be sponsoring Open House Dublin again this year,” she said. “As well as highlighting the societal and cultural significance of our built heritage, the festival is a wonderful showcase of the innovative and quality work of our residential, corporate and civic architects.”

All Open House Dublin events are free, but places for some are allocated on a lottery basis. The full programme of events is available at www.openhousedublin.com.

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