The 14th edition of the Lisbon Architecture Triennale’s Open House was unveiled today by architect José Mateus, president of the Triennale, along with the initiative’s curators, architect duo Daniela Sá and João Carmo Simões. The presentation took place at Casa Asia – Coleção Francisco Capelo, one of this year’s debut venues.
“We wanted to do something radical,” stated architect Daniela Sá during the unveiling, emphasizing the underlying concept that sees the city “as a system capable of connecting everything.”
This system, she continued, “connects everything and everyone, allowing for communal living.” The Open House tour suggestions aim to enhance understanding of the infrastructures that bind the city together.
This year’s program features significant architectural landmarks in the city, such as the National Pantheon, the Vilalva Palace — Ombudsman’s Office, and the Camões Institute headquarters. It also includes unique spaces like the Fronteira Palace and the apartment Casa no Castelo.
The Open House seeks to provide knowledge and accessibility to the city’s heritage through complimentary visits to iconic spaces of recognized architectural or patrimonial value, as outlined by the Lisbon Architecture Triennale.
“Despite its imperfections and problems, the city is humanity’s greatest collective creation, constantly evolving, much like architecture,” noted the curator.
The program further enriches its offerings with urban routes, introducing four new paths guided by experts, alongside 21 special accessible visits, sound walks, and activities aimed at younger audiences.
“The way we design cities significantly impacts the quality of life for its inhabitants. Hence, our invitation is open to all: to open doors, view, and reflect on what constructs Lisbon, and consider how we wish to live together,” remarked João Carmo Simões.
In 2016, Daniela Sá founded the publishing house Monade with João Carmo Simões, focusing on architecture publications, some of which have received international acclaim.
This year’s Open House will also feature RAR.STUDIO architecture atelier, Santos Dumont Building, Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros, Madalena 88 Building, British Cemetery, Saint George’s Anglican Church, Boavista Gallery, and an apartment on Rua Barbosa du Bocage.
Venue access is available on a first-come, first-served basis, except for five locations requiring prior scheduling, which will be available from Friday on the Open House website.
Originating in 1992 by Victoria Thornton, the Open House Worldwide network now includes over 60 cities globally, including London, Osaka, Thessaloniki, Zagreb, and Buenos Aires.
In Lisbon, the Open House has been an annual event since 2012, co-organized by the Lisbon Architecture Triennale and the Lisbon Company for the Management of Cultural Equipment and Animation. It advocates the “discovery of diverse spaces demonstrating architecture’s vital role in people’s lives and exemplifying the value of built heritage.”
In 2023, the Portuguese event became part of Open House Europe, a consortium of 11 cultural organizations, focusing this year on architecture’s role linking past, present, and future in urban environments.
