Fourth Open House Zagreb Festival

We invite you to the fourth Open House Zagreb Festival, which will take place this year from 9 to 11 October.

Open House Zagreb is a festival designed to promote Zagreb’s most notable architectural works and provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to meet architects, builders, investors, and property owners.

The fourth edition of Open House Zagreb offers a diverse and engaging programme, providing a unique opportunity to explore 36 buildings and urban complexes across Zagreb.

The programme, developed by the festival’s expert jury, is divided into three thematic sections: Socially Determined Housing, Innovations in Heritage Conservation, and A New Image of the City.

Dr Irena Kraševac, art historian and Chair of the Jury, highlights several selected architectural sites, including the Journalists’ Association Building, the Zagreb Funicular, the Craftsmen’s Building, the Maksimir residential and commercial complex, the Gračani Health Centre, the Heinzel House, the residential building for junior researchers in Borovje, the HAZU Palace, the Babočaj-Gvozdanović House, Starčević Hall, and others.

Dubravka Vrgoč, Creative Director of OHZ, stated:

»This year’s edition raises a number of current urban planning issues. The theme of socially determined housing explores the concept of collective housing throughout Zagreb’s history and its significance today: Is housing primarily an economic category or an architectural value, and what can we learn from examples of high-quality residential solutions from the past? The theme of innovations in heritage conservation continues the research that has been central to the festival since its beginnings. In the context of the Zagreb earthquake, the focus is on contemporary restoration methods and new approaches to preserving architectural heritage. The festival presents examples demonstrating how innovation can preserve the city’s identity while also redefining its future. The third section, titled A New Image of the City, explores contemporary architecture as a reflection of society. Architecture is viewed as part of a broader narrative about the city’s identity — about a space that must be open, accessible, and inclusive. Through the projects presented, the festival promotes the idea of the city as a shared space that belongs to everyone.«

Tomislava Blatnik, Executive Director of OHZ, stated:

»In today’s world, in the age of artificial intelligence and virtual experiences, developing direct human contact is particularly important. In addition to gaining knowledge and experience through guided professional tours, visitors have the opportunity to examine why a particular material was used and how it performs. This is essential for making informed decisions when building, purchasing, or renovating. The festival is also highly valuable for students, particularly those studying architecture.«

Open House Zagreb has established itself as a platform that brings architecture closer to the public and encourages dialogue between professionals and the wider community. Through encounters with architects, builders, investors, and property owners, visitors gain insight into the processes that shape the city and an opportunity to reflect on their own role in its development. The festival focuses on well-planned spaces and ecological, social, and economic sustainability.

The Open House festival concept has been attracting major cities around the world for more than three decades. Since its first edition in London in 1992, the Open House Worldwide network has expanded to more than 80 cities, including Copenhagen, New York, Milan, and Prague. The network attracts nearly one million visitors annually and records approximately two million visits to buildings, supported by thousands of volunteers, primarily students and local residents, who contribute to the festival’s energy and visibility. All programmes are free of charge, further reinforcing the festival’s openness and accessibility.

The festival is organised by the Zagreb Open House Association for the Promotion of Architecture and Design. Its Creative Director is Dubravka Vrgoč, and its Executive Director is Tomislava Blatnik.

Guided tours led by architects, art historians, and urban planners are free of charge, but advance registration is required through the official website, where the full programme is also available.

Registration opens two weeks before the festival begins

The festival is supported by the Zagreb Tourist Board, Zagreb International Airport, OTP Bank, Oktavijan, VMD, and Velux.

Read more on their website: https://openhousezagreb.org/