There’s a program in cities around the world called “Open Doors”, in which buildings that are not usually open to the general public open their doors on a certain weekend. It’s always fascinating to see the interior of a building you’ve driven by for years and to see if the reality matches the imagination. As President of the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, I’ve been lucky to see some of Baltimore’s most interesting buildings.
When I lived in the UK, London had a Open Doors program, and as I was researching Open Doors for Baltimore, I came across an article which showed some of the hidden interiors in London.
Finsbury Town Hall, Islington
Staircase to the library at St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Library at St. Paul’s, which contains 16,000 books on theology
Old Bailey, the central courthouse in London
The operating theatre at St. Thomas’ Church/Hospital.
The Drapers Hall, often a stand-in for Buckingham Palace in movies
Temple Place, Victoria Embankment, home of Viscount Astor
Does your city do an Open Doors program? If so, I highly recommend attending it.
I was lucky to see the interior of the Customs House in Baltimore ..what a gorgeous interior.
ReplyDeleteI've been to the Customs House, too! It's very hard to get into now, because it's a federal government building. Too bad.
Deleteoh wow -these are amazing! Now you have to see, as president of the BAF, if you can set up an open doors program in Baltimore to match, I bet you can come close to these!
ReplyDeleteWe're going to do something in the fall... but I think it's going to be industrial buildings. Not my choice, but...
DeleteI did not knwo about this program. I am checking out ot see if we have one in our old town wiht a few intersting buildings. I would love to go to Blatimore's Open Door day. We are close enough. Thanks for the beautiful photos too. London is one of so many fasinating cities to poke around in.
ReplyDeleteWe will be doing one in Baltimore this fall, during Architecture Month (October).
DeleteIt is a shame that only a chosen few get to see this kind of amazing architecture. It is as if it is only for the ultra wealthy.
DeleteJana... not just the ultra wealthy. Some of these buildings, like the one where I work, are private businesses, and generally only open to those who have business here. Others are churches, open to their congregations. Some are government buildings, like our Customs House in Baltimore, and the Old Bailey in London, where you have to have credentials to get in. Others still are difficult to get to, so are restricted.
DeleteWell, at least I get to see a glimpse of them on your blog. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Deletehmmm did not know about this program + thank you + wonder if LA has such a thing + will look into it. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteIt's a really fun program!
Delete