2016 marks the 11th edition of Open House Dublin taking place from Friday 14 – Sunday 16 October 2016.

The theme for the 2016 outing of our free annual celebration of the city’s best architecture, when buildings of all types and periods open their doors to allow citizens and visitors to explore, is The Presence of the Past.

In this commemorative year of revolution leading to Irish independence, Open House Dublin 2016 will reveal how the development of our cityscape conveys the changing social, political and cultural priorities of Dublin, throughout history and into the future. It will explore how architecture frames and structures the patterns and practices of our collective life: featuring domestic, civic, commercial and public architecture.

Some highlights already confirmed for this year’s programme include: The Military Archives at Cathal Brugha Barracks: renovated as part of Ireland 2016 by McCullough Mulvin Architects and now housing some of the most significant documents from the Easter Rising (including one of only five original Proclamations of the Irish Republic), this building was used as a military hospital during the Easter Rising, the War of Independence and the Civil War;

Airbnb at Hanover Quay: a once derelict waterside warehouse carefully and faithfully restored and renovated by RKD Architects to become the organisation’s new international hub. Also, allegedly, the original home of Ireland’s first fridge!

Facebook’s International Headquarters at Grand Canal Quay, contemporary offices designed by international architects Frank Gehry and Daniel Libeskind;

The site of Dun Laoghaire Baths, whose refurbishment by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council Architects Department working with A2 Architects includes the development of the public realm with amenities such as an art gallery, artists’ studios and café, is due to commence in 2017 with a view to being completed in 2018.

Open House Dublin 2016 will also feature Making Ireland Modern, Ireland’s exhibition at the 2014 Venice Architectural Biennale, which is currently on tour in Ireland as part of ART: 2016, the Arts Council’s programme for Ireland 2016. Created by joint commissioners and curators Gary A. Boyd and John McLaughlin Architects, the exhibition explores the relationship between architecture, infrastructure and technology in the building of a new nation.

“The Presence of the Past moves beyond commemoration to reveal the significance of the past on our experience of contemporary Dublin. The past is full of possibility when we use it to help us make informed decisions about the future. This year’s Open House Dublin programme connects time to buildings and uncovers how they reflect our priorities culturally, socially, economically and politically. Buildings, as designed structures are signifiers of evolution and revolution”, says Nathalie Weadick, IAF Director.

As well as building tours, Open House Dublin 2016 will also feature the ever popular Open House Junior – a series of family-friendly workshops that will transform tiny tots into “Time Travellers”, bringing children aged 4-17 on a magical journey through time as they experience architecture, both past and present – and Open House Plus – ancillary exhibitions, walking tours and other events.

Open House Dublin 2016 programme at www.architecturefoundation.ie/openhouse from 9th September.

Most building tours are open on a first-come, first-served basis. A small number of building tours will be available to book on a lottery basis, details in September.

There will be an Open House Dublin Information Centre at 15 Bachelors Walk, the home of the Irish Architecture Foundation, for the duration of the event. Here you will be able to pick up a map of all the buildings in the programme, Architrek guides as part of the Open House Junior programme or simply watch a movie in the new auditorium.

For the latest information on Open House Dublin 2016, follow the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) on Facebook and Twitter (@IAFarchitecture #OpenHouseDublin / #IAFlove) Open House Dublin is presented by the Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) and is part of the Open House Worldwide Family.

The IAF, who delivered its first Open House Dublin in 2006, has firmly established the project as Ireland’s largest architectural event with an estimated 27,000 building visits in 2015. Established in 2005, the IAF’s role is to be a vibrant and passionate organisation that excites its audiences about the value of architecture.

The Irish Architecture Foundation is funded by the Arts Council, the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the Office of Public Works. Open House Dublin 2016 is partnered with Dublin City Council and the Government Policy on Architecture and supported by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, JCDecaux, Dublin Bus and Open House Worldwide. Open House Dublin is sponsored by Airbnb.

Open House Dublin 2016 is collaborating with Peter McVerry Trust for the first time by offering all proceeds of the Open House Text to Donate button to the cause. To donate, text OHD to 50300 to give €4. 100% of text cost goes to Peter McVerry Trust across most network providers. Some providers apply VAT which means that a minimum of €1.63 goes to Peter McVerry Trust.

For media information, contact:

Annette Nugent :: annette@annettenugent.ie :: +353.86.6820971

Laura Woulfe :: openhouse@architecturefoundation.ie :: +353.1.8747203

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