Open City

Open City is a London-based educational charity established in 1996. It is dedicated to empowering communities to learn about and engage with their built environment. The organization operates as a private limited company by guarantee and focuses on making architecture and urban spaces more open and accessible.

One of its key initiatives is the Open House Festival, an annual event that celebrates London’s architecture by providing public access to buildings and spaces typically closed to the public. Open City also runs year-round educational programs for young people aged 8 to 18, including city-making workshops and mentoring schemes like the Accelerate programme. Additionally, it offers a variety of events, podcasts, guided tours, and publications to enhance public knowledge about urban life.

Open City supports a global network of over 60 Open House Festivals, fostering international dialogue on architecture and community engagement. The organization serves local communities in London and Birmingham, young people interested in city-making careers, and the general public through its diverse programs and events.