Design-doting locals have been relishing the annual Brisbane Open House weekend for a good decade now, but in 2020 the program will get a COVID-safe shake-up and bring its events to you via the screen. Stay curled up on the couch in your daggy slothwear and log on to check out a series of six Design Talks and the annual Great Debate Fundraiser. After attracting more than 35,000 visitors to 119 buildings in 2019, audiences will experience the cultural event in a whole new way this year, making it far more accessible than ever before.

The highly anticipated Great Debate will kick off at 7:30 pm on October 27, exploring the theme ‘individualism is the antithesis of good design’. Tickets are $25 plus booking fee and can be purchased here. Six free design talks will also run across November 5–6, featuring some of Brisbane’s most talented architects, designers, planners and professionals discussing topics such as landscape design trends, local heritage and indigenous design. Register your interest to watch the discussions here. While this year guests may be unable to physically explore Brisbane’s iconic buildings, three films profiling the Grand Lodge of Queensland, State Archives Runcorn and St John’s Cathedral will be available to watch for free online during the month of November. Find more information about the Brisbane Open House 2020 program here.