A beautiful open room at ANZ Gothic Bank
Photograph: Supplied/Open House Melbourne
Photograph: Supplied/Open House Melbourne

The five most unusual spaces open for a stickybeak at Open House Melbourne

Indulge your nosey side during this packed weekend with these oddball opportunities

Ashleigh Hastings
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Open House Melbourne is your annual chance to take a peek behind the closed doors of some of the city’s most curious buildings. This year’s program boasts more than 170 events, all packed into the weekend of July 27-28. With so many spaces to see, we’ve dug up some of the quirkiest places you can explore this year.

Here's where we'll be exploring

ANZ Gothic Bank

Who hasn’t stopped to take a second glance at the ANZ Gothic Bank while strolling down Collins Street? The lavish building was completed in 1817 and considered the finest secular Gothic Revival building in the nation. A public banking museum has recently opened in the building, but during Open House weekend there’ll be guided tours of areas that are usually kept private. Read more.

AAMI Park

If you’ve ever dreamed of running onto the AAMI Park pitch like the Matilda’s it’s about to be your lucky weekend. The newly renovated stadium will open its doors to the public, including access to the changerooms, gym, pool and more. No bookings are needed – instead tours will operate on a first come, first served basis on the day. Read more.

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Former Williamstown Morgue

This building has a crucial yet sombre past serving a crucial purpose for the local community. The morgue was built next to Gem Pier in 1859, so overflow from the autopsies could be swept into the ocean. Back in those days, bodies were kept up high to remain out of reach of rats. These days, it's been converted into a heritage asset. Read more

Jack’s magazine

Nestled by the banks of the Maribyrnong River is a former 1800s explosives store that’s been locked up unused since the ’90s. You’d easily miss it, since it’s built into an escarpment and concealed behind a bluestone wall. Now’s your opportunity to explore this spooky space. Read more.

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Collingwood Yards Rooftop

Strap on a harness and get up high for a special view of the city from the perspective on Johnston Street. Collingwood Yards is a vibrant arts hub and home of local faves Hope Street Radio and Stefanino Panino. You’ll take a lift to the fourth floor and head through a door to the rooftop, where you’ll enjoy views from the north west to the north east of the CBD while attached to a safety line. Read more.

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