Brisbane Open House Returns with Ambitious 2026 Program Featuring Iconic Sporting Venues

The 17th annual Brisbane Open House has unveiled its most important program to date, featuring 93 buildings across Greater Brisbane and a record-breaking 16 private homes.

Scheduled for the weekend of 18 and 19 July, this year’s event has significantly expanded ticket availability to accommodate demand, offering the public rare, behind-the-scenes access to government institutions, commercial landmarks, and heritage sites.

A major drawcard for the 2026 edition is the inclusion of two premier sporting facilities: the National Rugby Training Centre at Ballymore and the Gabba. Access to the Gabba provides a poignant “last look” for visitors, as the venue is slated for a major urban precinct redevelopment following the 2032 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, the National Rugby Training Centre, elite home of the Queensland Reds and Wallaroos, will offer guided tours of its world-class aquatic recovery centre and gymnasium, areas that remain strictly off-limits to the public under normal circumstances.

The program was officially launched by the Governor of Queensland, Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, at the new Glasshouse Theatre within the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Brisbane Open House Co-Chair Malcolm Middleton highlighted that the event’s 2026 scale reflects the city’s rapid evolution.

“All eyes are on Brisbane right now – the city is transforming at pace as we count down to 2032.”

“There is no better way to experience the transformation than exploring the buildings that have shaped Brisbane’s past and are shaping its future, and hearing from the architects behind them,” Middleton said.

City of Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, noted that the event serves as a vital reminder of the city’s character. 

“It’s a city full of history, character and stories waiting to be discovered. Every building has something to tell us about who we are, where we’ve come from and how we’re shaping Brisbane’s future,” Schrinner commented.

The 2026 program introduces over 30 new additions, including architectural showpieces like 205 North Quay, 360 Queen Street, and the residential tower at 443 Queen Street.

In concusion, the event features immersive experiences such as UAP Foundry tours, guided walks regarding flood resilience, and public conversations celebrating the 20th anniversary of GOMA.

Following a highly successful 2025 event that recorded over 42,000 visits, the 2026 edition reinforces Brisbane Open House’s status as a flagship cultural fixture, providing a unique lens through which residents and visitors can engage with the capital’s architectural identity.

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