Exclusive access to the hidden gems of the Big Apple! Every year, Open House New York Weekend transforms the city into a massive open-air museum, opening the doors to its finest architectural secrets. For your October trip to New York, this event offers a unique opportunity to discover New York from a completely new angle.
New York’s flagship fall event
Dates and key information
Open House New York Weekend 2025 will take place from 17 to 19 October, turning the three-day event into a celebration of architecture and urban design. The event unlocks over 300 destinations across the five boroughs, offering privileged access to the city’s most iconic spaces.
This initiative of the non-profit organization Open House New York has been running since 2003 and attracts over 85,000 participants from all over the world every year. The festival is supported by Bloomberg Connects and numerous New York cultural institutions.
A revolutionary concept
The majority of the festival is free and open to the public without prior registration. Imagine being able to enter skyscrapers that are usually closed, explore secret municipal infrastructures or visit private artists’ studios! That’s exactly what this exceptional event offers.
Treasures accessible over the weekend
Architecture and heritage
The festival opens the doors to a spectacular range of buildings, from historic monuments to the most striking contemporary creations. You’ll be able to discover exceptional private residences, repurposed industrial spaces, and even technical infrastructures usually off-limits to the public.
The tours are led by architects, engineers, designers and community advocates who share their passion and in-depth knowledge. These privileged encounters will help you understand how the city really works and how it is evolving.
Examples of outstanding sites from previous editions
Participants were able to explore The Refinery at Domino, a former sugar factory in Williamsburg transformed into an ultra-modern workspace, or Powerhouse Arts in Gowanus, a new arts centre with metal fabrication and public art facilities.
Other highlights include climbing the Mount Morris Fire Tower in Harlem and exploring the coastal restoration project at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens.
Plan your participation
Essential practical information
Important dates to remember:
- 26 September 2025: public unveiling of the full program
- 3 October 2025: ticket sales open for limited-access sites
- 17-19 October 2025: the festival itself
Access and ticketing
The beauty of this event lies in its open-access philosophy: you can simply turn up at most of the festival venues during opening hours. However, some venues require tickets for security or capacity reasons.
Tickets cost 7 dollars and are available on a first-come, first-served basis on Eventbrite. Be warned: demand is enormous and 80% of the tickets available for 2024 were sold out in just a few minutes! So it’s crucial to prepare in advance.
Strategies to maximize your experience
Prepare in advance
The full programme will be available on the https://ohny.org/ website from 26 September. Study it carefully to identify the sites that interest you most and plan your itinerary.
Stay flexible
With 300 destinations to choose from, you’ll have plenty of choices, even if some popular sites are fully booked. The event encourages spontaneous exploration and the discovery of little-known neighbourhoods.
Why it’s the perfect October event
An authentic and immersive experience
This festival is much more than just a sightseeing tour: it’s a total immersion in the soul of New York. You’ll discover how the city breathes, functions and transforms itself, thanks to the passionate testimonies of those who shape it every day.
The event coincides perfectly with autumn in New York, the perfect time to explore the city. October’s pleasant temperatures make outdoor explorations particularly enjoyable.
Unique behind-the-scenes access to the metropolis
The festival is an opportunity to meet the people who design, build and preserve New York, offering a privileged perspective on the challenges and innovations that are defining the city’s future. It’s the perfect opportunity to understand the contemporary challenges of urban planning in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Open House New York Weekend is much more than just an event: it’s a collective celebration of human ingenuity and a tribute to the architectural creativity that makes New York such a unique metropolis. For your October visit, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the city like never before!
Open House New York Weekend is an annual festival that has been held every October since 2003. For three days, over 300 buildings and sites across New York’ s five boroughs open their doors to the public for guided tours and special activities. The event is organited by Open House New York, a non-profit organisation.
The festival takes place from 17 to 19 October 2025. It’s the 23rd edition of this event, which has become an essential part of New York’s cultural calendar.
Only certain sensitive or very limited capacity sites require tickets. These sites are clearly identified in the official programme. Tickets cost 7 dollars per person (some exceptional sites may be free even with a reservation).
The detailed programme with all the venues, times and descriptions will be published on the official website on 26 September 2025. Members of the organisation will have early access from 19 September.
The rules on photography vary from site to site. Some sites allow photography freely, while others prohibit it completely for reasons of security or confidentiality. Always follow the instructions given on site.
Most tours are in English, but the architecture and spaces speak for themselves! Many of the guides are passionate about what they do and go out of their way to communicate with all visitors. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, even in broken English.
