This year, Sydney Open is heading west, offering access to 16 buildings and spaces across Parramatta. Go behind the scenes and explore new places usually off-limits to the public, until now. On Saturday, August 29, you can see if reality lives up to the hype as Parramatta opens the doors to some of its most interesting and hidden spots.
For one day only, step inside Australia’s oldest surviving public building and UNESCO World Heritage site, Old Government House, or see adaptive reuse in action at the newly upgraded Parramatta Town Hall. You’ll also get to go behind the scenes of the Sydney West Trial Courts and explore the award-winning civic hub, PHIVE.
If you love a good backstory, experts will be giving the inside scoop on everything from architectural insights to the colonial-era secrets of Sydney’s second European settlement after Sydney Cove.
Presented by Museums of History NSW, MHNSW members get a 20 per cent discount and exclusive entry to a special members-only building, Harrisford House.
Whether you’re a design lover or a history buff, this is your opportunity to discover the architecture, heritage and newest additions to Western Sydney’s beating heart, giving you the chance to see Parramatta in a whole new light.
Plus, purchase your tickets before midday, August 14 for a chance to win a spot on an exclusive preview tour of the new Powerhouse Parramatta – one of the world’s most significant new museum projects, set to open in late 2026. Stay tuned: the winners will be selected by ballot and notified in advance.
Parramatta Open takes place on August 29 from 10am to 4pm. Tickets start from $25 and are on sale now. To book, and view the full program, visit the Parramatta Open website.