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Although the charity that runs London Open House organises things all year round, the main event always seems to be on the third weekend in September. And on this weekend, literally hundreds of buildings in London which are normally closed to the public open their doors to anyone who's interested to see inside. Some of them are only open for a few hours, some are only open if you pre-book in advance, some are open both Saturday and Sunday, and some provide tours. It's all completely free too.
My favourite from a couple of years ago was visiting the Freemason's hall. The hall itself is amazing, and there's a fascinating museum about freemasonry too. This year's favourite (so far) was visiting the Marx Memorial Library.
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So if anyone reading this within the next 18 hours or so finds themselves at a loose end in London, go find a building or two to visit. Or if, like me, you enjoy taking a peek inside areas that you're not normally allowed to see, make plans to be in London for Open House weekend one year. It makes a change from cruising anyway!
3 comments:
"each generation re-invents radicalism in its own way" : wise words! I love talking to such people. They have so many stories to tell.
Yeah ramo, he was certainly wise beyond his years. He can only have been in his early 30's, and he had many gems like that during the tour!
GB xxx
why is it that so many gay guys like architecture ... or maybe it's art in general ... or just poking around where we're not supposed to be !
i went to see a building site on tottenham court road - and the site manager gave a fantastic tour - makes such a difference ...
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