Behind the Scenes: Open House Palma

This coming weekend, the city’s most emblematic buildings open their doors to the public. After last year’s huge success Open House Palma, the festival of architecture for non-architects, takes place for the second time. On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October you have the opportunity to visit more than 60 buildings and spaces that are normally not open to the public, or only for a fee. They represent the design, history and architecture of the capital of the Balearic Islands.

Among the impressive list of places are well-known landmarks like the lighthouse of Porto Pí, the Castell de Bellver and the Castillo de San Carlos. You can visit Palma’s marvelous Teatre Principal, or take a look behind the scenes of the Parliament of the Balearic Islands. Museums like Can Balaguer, Casal Solleric, and Fundaciòn Juan March open their doors for free. The newly renovated Miró museum in Cala Major also participates.

Furthermore, you have access to social housing projects, scientific and medical institutions, or the Balearic Port Authority. Making Open House Palma a real divers and multidisciplinary event. With the aim of opening the city and its heritage to neighbors, visitors and professionals, and promote dialogue and participation. Admission to all buildings is free, simply join one of the guided tours offered onsite. There are also open walks, talks, workshops and even an open photo contest. Pre-registration is required at some locations, the program will give you all the details.

While this is the second Open House Palma, the initiative is part of an international movement. Since 1992, Open House Worldwide has been engaging citizens, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. They can learn about architecture and urban development, and how to pursue a meaningful role in shaping the future. By opening up buildings and special places, and offering conversations to those who are normally excluded from them. So they can demand a better quality of the built environment.