Sydney Open is returning in 2025
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Sydney Open is the city’s leading event for architecture, design and the built environment, giving you exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most significant, unique and rarely seen sites.
About Sydney Open
What is Sydney Open?
Our city-wide Sydney Open experience gives you access to some of Sydney’s most exclusive buildings and places.
With a City Pass you’ll have the opportunity to explore our biggest Sydney Open yet, with more than 50 buildings and spaces, many of which are rarely open to the public. Go behind the scenes and discover each building’s architectural significance and unique story.
When is Sydney Open?
Sydney Open will be held on Sunday 2 November 2025.
Sign up to our eNews for updates on the next Sydney Open event and other great programs and offers from Museums of History NSW.
What is a Sydney Open City Pass?
A City Pass is your ticket to Sydney Open. It gives you access to 50+ sites across the CBD and surrounds, allowing you to explore them at your leisure.
Most buildings and spaces are open from 10am (first entry) to 3.30pm (last entry) on Sunday 2 November. Sydney Open Members Hour gives members exclusive access to select buildings from 9am to 10am, before general opening. A few sites, such as churches, are only open for part of the afternoon, so please check individual building pages for opening hours and last entry times.
To be part of Sydney Open, purchase a City Pass ticket and pick up your wristband either on Sunday 2 November or before the event day. Wristbands can be picked up from The Mint, the Museum of Sydney or the Hyde Park Barracks, between 22 September and 1 November. See below for more information about City Pass tickets and wristbands.
On the day, your City Pass wristband must be displayed to gain entry to all sites. MHNSW members will be issued with a wristband in a different colour from that issued to general ticketholders. This wristband will provide members-only access to buildings for Members Hour and the Sydney Open VIP Lounge.
How can I find out more about the Sydney Open program?
Sign up for our eNews and get updates on Sydney Open sent straight to your inbox.
Follow our Sydney Open Instagram @sydneyisopen
Visit the Sydney Open website for tickets and up-to-date event information, and to learn about the buildings, spaces, stories and themes explored in the program.
Can I still volunteer for Sydney Open?
Registrations to volunteer for Sydney Open 2025 close on 19 October. If you would like to volunteer with us on Sunday 2 November, please read the role description and complete the application form on our website. Apply now.
Member benefits
As an MHNSW member, what benefits will I get on the day?
Members who buy a Sydney Open City Pass enjoy a host of exclusive benefits at Sydney Open.
- First to know and pre-sale priority access to tickets: Buy your City Pass ahead of everyone else. Member pre-sale opens at 12pm on Monday 22 September, before ticket sales open to the public on Tuesday 23 September.
- Discounts on tickets: Get 20% off your City Pass ticket. Members pay only $44 instead of $55. Plus you’ll receive 20% off Sydney Open Symposium and Sydney Open Series tickets all year around.
- Sydney Open Members Hour gives members exclusive access to select buildings from 9am to 10am, ahead of the general public.
- Exclusive entry to the Sydney Open VIP Lounge, with complimentary refreshments and device charging.
- Sydney Open Members Competition: Every Sydney Open purchase automatically gives you the chance to win a special members-only Sydney Open prize (valued at up to $705), including a money-can’t-buy private curator experience, one night’s stay at the five-star heritage grand Fullerton Hotel Sydney, a dining voucher for This Way Canteen, a membership renewal and so much more.
- Dining and shopping offers: Enjoy 10% off with Sydney Open dining offers and 10% off at all our museum shops.
- Full year-round member benefits: These include special members-only experiences, events, giveaways, discounts and more.
Members support the important work of Museums of History NSW in the preservation of the state’s significant historic houses, museums and gardens.
Become a member now and enjoy Sydney Open discounts and benefits immediately.
Sydney Open ticketholder information
What level of fitness is required to take part?
Sydney Open is a self-guided experience. Plan your day according to your interests and level of fitness. Each building and space has unique points of interest. For more information about specific sites, we recommend you check the building pages on the website.
Will tours or guides be available?
Some buildings offer drop-in tours and talks throughout the day. Check the building pages on theSydney Open website for details and updates closer to the event. These talks and tours cannot be pre-booked and may have limited capacity, so arrive at these sites early to avoid missing out.
Am I allowed to take photos inside the buildings?
Most of the buildings and spaces allow photography; however, we recommend that you check individual building pages for any restrictions on photography. If you’re at a property and you’re unsure, ask our friendly Sydney Open volunteers.
On the day, take part in our ‘Share and Win’ competition by sharing your photos on Instagram for the chance to win great prizes. Tag us @sydneyisopen #SydneyOpen2025
Is Sydney Open accessible for people with a disability?
Accessibility icons are displayed on relevant building pages on the Sydney Open website. These icons indicate whether a site has an accessible entrance and accessible facilities. Additional information can be found on individual building pages.
Holders of a Companion Card are eligible to receive a free ticket for one companion. Acceptance of a Companion Card does not indicate that an event or venue is accessible. Companion Card holders must refer to the details on the building pages and contact the MHNSW Bookings team on 02 8239 2211 before purchasing a ticket in order to check accessibility and arrange an additional ticket.
Will I need to queue to access buildings?
There may be queues to enter some of the most popular buildings. Look for the ‘Lines expected’ icon on select building pages to help you plan your day. Follow @sydneyisopen on Instagram to stay up to date on queues and waiting times.
What are the best travel options during the event?
Public transport
On Sunday 2 November there is planned maintenance work on the City Circle train line and the Metro North West & Bankstown Line.
- Trains will not run on the City Circle line, or between Central and Wynyard. T4 trains stopping at Town Hall and Martin Place are still in operation.
- Metro services will not run between Tallawong and Sydenham Metro stations. Replacement bus services run between Tallawong and Chatswood, and trains between Chatswood and Sydenham.
- Other travel options include the light rail and local buses.
We recommend allowing extra travel time into the Sydney CBD and plan your route by visiting transportnsw.info. For further trackwork information, visit Transport for NSW.
Cycle
We’re encouraging ticketholders to consider a shared e-bike as a fun, flexible and sustainable way to travel between venues.
- Skip the delays – avoid train disruptions and move freely around the CBD.
- See more, faster – zip between buildings and make the most of your day.
- Eco-friendly – reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying the city.
Sydney’s three shared e-bike operators – HelloRide, Ario and Lime – are supporting Sydney Open with on-the-ground help.
- Download the app for your preferred operator before the event so you’re ready to ride.
- Need help getting started? Staff from the e-bike companies will be at the western end of Martin Place (near George Street) between 10am and 1pm to assist with app sign-ups and first-time riders.
Before you hop on, make sure you know the rules for riding bikes in NSW. Visit nsw.gov.au/e-bikes to learn more about how to stay safe.
Let’s make Sydney Open a smooth, safe and sustainable experience for everyone. See you on two wheels!
What should I bring with me?
Don’t forget your Sydney Open ticket, and bring water, sunscreen and a hat, wet-weather gear (just in case), snacks, camera and a fully charged mobile phone to take lots of photos. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Is there a map?
A printed map will be available on the Sydney Open day (online PDF version also available here). You can also visit the Sydney Open program webpage and click on “map view”. For up to date public transport information visit transportnsw.info.
I’ve lost something at the event/venue. What should I do?
Please report your lost item to one of our volunteers. After the event, items will be brought back to The Mint and can be collected from there.