Four unmissable highlights: Open House London 2018

A celebration of London’s architecture, Open House London sees buildings across the capital open their doors to the public for free. With a staggering programme of more than 800 buildings, talks, walks and tours on offer, Open House weekend takes place from 22-23 September, and is perfect for architecture enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

From hidden treasures, such as Holborn’s Freemasons’ Hall, to iconic venues, including the BT Tower, expect lots of destination inspiration. Here, we reveal some of the highlights to visit.

Red House, Bexleyheath

A true artistic gem, Red House was the beloved home of William Morris, the pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement. Commissioned by Morris, designed by architect Philip Webb, and completed in 1860, the house is filled with original features. A selection of furniture by Morris and Webb is on display, and hand-drawn murals by Edward Burne-Jones adorn the walls of the drawing room. Embroidery created by Morris’s wife, Janey, and her sister, Bessie Burden, can also be seen.

Red House Lane, Bexleyheath DA6 8JF

22 - 23 September, 11am-5pm. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/red-house

Image: National Trust Picture Library

Wilton’s Music Hall, Whitechapel

From paper-mâché balconies and barley iron sugar columns to Georgian brickwork and neon lights, Wilton’s Music Hall exudes charm. The oldest grand music hall in the world, Wilton’s dates back to 1859, and originally staged classical overtures, operettas, folk songs, madrigals, and choral and contemporary works. Today, the building stages a wealth of artistic work, including opera, cabaret, plays, puppetry, dance and magic shows. Following a major restoration project, which was completed in 2015, the building boasts a renovated auditorium and a new Learning and Participation Studio.

Wilton’s Music Hall, Graces Alley, Whitechapel E1 8JB

22 September, 10am-1pm. For more information, visit wiltons.org.uk

Image: James Mackenzie

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Neasden

A scintillating mix of Indian and Italian marble and Bulgarian limestone, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu temple is a masterpiece of Indian craftsmanship. Columns bedecked with figures from Hindu mythology support ornate ceilings, and domes with floral and geometric designs draw in the eye. Completed in 1995, the Mandir is surrounded by landscaped gardens, filled with lotus-shaped flowerbeds and ornamental fountains.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 105-119 Brentfield Road, Neasden NW10 8LD

22 - 23 September, 10am-5pm (Guided tours available every 30 minutes, 10am-4pm, on both days)

For more information, visit londonmandir.baps.org  

Image: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Landing Forty Two, The Leadenhall Building, City of London

Known affectionately as ‘The Cheesegrater’ thanks to its wedge shape, The Leadenhall Building is a characterful addition to London’s skyline. Offering panoramic views over landmarks from St Paul’s Cathedral to the BT Tower, The Leadenhall Building is an iconic example of Structural Expressionism.

No stranger to innovation, the building has a 10,000-tonne steel frame and 560 windows, and contains the world’s largest and fastest suite of panoramic lifts. Reaching heights of 225m, the building is angled at 10 degrees to protect the views of London’s major landmarks, including St Paul’s Cathedral, from Fleet Street.

As part of Open House London, visitors to The Leadenhall Building can explore Landing Forty Two, a private events space featured on TV shows including The Apprentice.

The Leadenhall Building, 122 Leadenhall Street, City of London EC3V 4AB

22 - 23 September, 10am-5pm. For more information, visit theleadenhallbuilding.com

Image: The Leadenhall Building. Photo Richard Bryant.

Open House London runs from 22-23 September. For more information about participating venues, visit openhouselondon.org.uk