Open City

London is certainly not short of beautiful architecture, attracting swarms of tourists every day to visit. And while the exteriors of these impressive buildings range from breathtaking to down-right unusual, the question on most people’s lips is – what do they look like on the inside?

Luckily you can now find out. For the 18th year running, initiative Open City (formerly Open House) has arranged for London’s finest buildings to throw open their doors on the 18 and 19 September.

Open House London celebrates the capital’s greatest architectural places and neighbourhoods with over 30 boroughs involved.

For the explorer, visit Greenwich and have a peek inside the 19 Century Altazimuth Pavillion (normally closed to the public), which houses historic telescopes. Or for the budding television producer – check out Channel Four’s transmission centre with its stunning curving glass and steel atrium. You can even say hello to the Mayor Boris Johnson at City Hall – an environmentally-aware building that has beautiful views of the city and an innovative spiral ramp.

Other highlights include talks and walks around London. For example, on Sunday afternoon (19 September) meet at the Starbucks at 4pm in Paddington Central and Little Venue, to view the superb Italianate architecture.

From the newly built Metropolitan Works (2008) to the regal Banqueting House, originally part of Whitehall Palace, there is a building to suit everyone’s historical or sustainable agenda.

For more information and up-to-date listings of the buildings involved visit the Open House London website www.openhouselondon.org.uk