Stories of the City

Posted Tue 18th Mar 2025 | katie.evans@ohm.org.au

Across Melbourne, every building, street and public place tells a unique story. Shaped by its transformation over time and the diverse communities that live here, the city is more than its bricks and mortar—the city is about people and place. The stories of our city are embedded in its urban landscapes and the people who live, work and play here.

Open House Melbourne is excited to announce the theme for this year’s Weekend (26 + 27 July) is Stories of the City.

This year’s program will explore stories that are personal and stories that are collective. Stories that explore our heritage or look to the future. Stories of Country, migration, innovation, resilience, and community.

Stories of the City will illuminate stories hidden behind closed doors or overlooked in everyday life. By exploring the layers of urban life through stories of architecture, culture and community, the 2025 Open House Melbourne Weekend will foster a deeper appreciation of the relationship between people and place, lived experience and built form.

And you are invited to share your Stories of the City. From 29 April and 5 June 2025, you can submit your stories online. Collectively, these stories will form a special exhibition, held over the Open House Melbourne Weekend, at the Bates Smart Gallery.

The Open House Melbourne Weekend is made possible through support from Major Partners Creative Victoria, City of Melbourne, Efront and Studio Payne. A special thanks to our Practice Partner Bates Smart for hosting and curating the exhibition.