Museums of History NSW announced the first Parramatta Open, a new one-day event inviting locals and visitors behind the doors of some of Parramatta’s most significant buildings, spaces and hidden places.
Taking place on Saturday, August 29, the inaugural event will celebrate the architecture, heritage and civic ambition of one of Australia’s oldest and fastest-evolving cities, from colonial landmarks to contemporary award-winning design.
Presented as the first satellite event of the much-loved Sydney Open program, Parramatta Open offers rare access, expert insights and new ways to experience the places that have shaped Parramatta’s past, present and future.
Visitors are invited to go behind the scenes into places rarely open to the public and discover hidden gems across the city.
The program features entry to 16 buildings and spaces across the Parramatta CBD and surrounds, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the city’s architecture, heritage and hidden stories, up close.
Now in its 22nd year, Sydney Open has welcomed more than 110,000 people to over 500 buildings and spaces, offering insights into some of the city’s most significant, innovative and hidden places which are rarely open to the public.
“We are delighted to expand our Sydney Open program to Parramatta this year,” said Annette Pitman, CEO, Museums of History NSW.
“Parramatta has an extraordinary architectural story, from deep histories and early colonial landmarks to bold civic and cultural spaces that speak to the future of western Sydney. Parramatta Open is an opportunity to explore the city in new ways and celebrate the buildings, people and stories that make it so unique.”
The Parramatta Open will feature a diverse program of buildings and experiences across the Parramatta CBD and surrounds, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Government House, Australia’s oldest surviving public building; Parramatta Square, a major civic development that reshaped the city centre; and PHIVE, the award-winning landmark now widely known as Parramatta’s living room.
Tickets go on sale on July 21. Visit http://www.sydneyopen.com.au.
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.