Open House Festival 2026
(c) English Heritage photo by James O. Davies
Striking, provocative and one of London’s few Grade I listed post-war buildings – welcome to architect Denys Lasdun’s award-winning design. We invite you to drop in, take an expert tour, explore our archives and heritage library, get creative and more to discover the Royal College of Physicians' London home.
The Open House Festival programme is now live!
To be able to book a ticket, you will first need to register for a free visitor account. You can do that any time at https://programme.openhouse.org.uk/register.
Join us on Saturday 19 September to explore our award-winning building. Discover more about architect Denys Lasdun's striking design through a display of archive materials, a short film, self-guided tour, a virtual treasure hunt and more. There will also be the opportunity to visit brand new exhibition 'Patient voices: power, truth, understanding' exploring the lived experience of healthcare.
A range of bookable architecture tours will run throughout the day led by experts from the Archives, Heritage Library and Museum team.
Visiting with the family? Book to drop in at one of our craft sessions for imaginative Lego, and creative crafts inspired by our building and historic collections.
Our onsite Regent's Perk café will be open for light refreshments throughout the day.
*New: A tour led in British Sign Language will be running on Monday 14 September for visitors who are deaf - find out more.
Find out more about all our activities:
10am - 4pm: Drop in visit
Drop in to enjoy and explore one of London’s most provocative modern buildings.
Designed by British architect Sir Denys Lasdun (1914-2001), it is award-winning and one of only a few Grade I listed post-war buildings in England. All visitors can enjoy:
- exploring the building inside and out including the striking Censors room, Dorchester Library and Council Chamber
- follow a self-guided tour discovering details behind the design
- display of archive materials about the building
- a short film about the architecture featuring architect Sir Denys Lasdun
- a virtual treasure hunt - with a prize!
- new exhibition 'Patient voices: power, truth, understanding'
10.30am - 12pm: Drop-in crafts
Open to all ages!
Register for the morning session and drop-in anytime between 10.30am and 12pm to join us for crafts inspired by our building and collections including Lego and creative crafts inspired by our building and historic collections.
Add to your Open House itinerary - FULLY BOOKED
10.30am - 11.30am: Expert architecture tour
Join an expert from the Archives, Heritage Library and Museum Team for a tour to explore our Grade I listed home and discover how this award-winning architectural design was developed with an expert guide.
2pm - 3.30pm: Drop-in crafts
Open to all ages!
Register for the morning session and drop-in anytime between 10.30am and 12pm to join us for crafts inspired by our building and collections including Lego and creative crafts inspired by our building and historic collections.
Add to your Open House itinerary - FULLY BOOKED
2pm - 3pm: Expert architecture tour
Join an expert from the Archives, Heritage Library and Museum Team for a tour to explore our Grade I listed home and discover how this award-winning architectural design was developed with an expert guide.
Add to your Open House itinerary - FULLY BOOKED
2.30pm - 3.30pm: Expert architecture tour
Join an expert from the Archives, Heritage Library and Museum Team for a tour to explore our Grade I listed home and discover how this award-winning architectural design was developed with an expert guide.
Add to your Open House itinerary - FULLY BOOKED
3pm - 4pm: Expert architecture tour
Join an expert from the Archives, Heritage Library and Museum Team for a tour to explore our Grade I listed home and discover how this award-winning architectural design was developed with an expert guide.
Add to your Open House itinerary - FULLY BOOKED
Open House London
Open House London, is a two-week celebration of London’s homes, architecture and neighbourhoods. You can get inside some of London’s best known buildings, as well as some of its best kept secrets.
This year's events run from 12 - 20 September 2026.