Have you ever wondered what a Channel 9 Studio looks like on the inside, or what it feels like to wander around a treehouse? If you answered yes on both counts, then you should probably sign up for the 2013 Open House Melbourne (OHM) event.

OHM is a not-for-profit association that runs annual events providing the public with an unparalleled opportunity to see inside, on top of and under some of Melbourne’s most remarkable buildings.

Featuring buildings from a range of types, styles and periods, OHM Ambassador Peter Maddison says that this year’s program will offer everyone something to see and do.

“Melbourne is internationally renowned for its architecture and it is fascinating to see how buildings have changed over the past 150 years. Open House Melbourne provides a unique opportunity to see some of the city’s very best buildings and learn how high quality innovative design both improves and makes our city more liveable.”

Taking place on 27 and 28 July, 2013 Open House Melbourne is a free event and allows participants to choose from 111 of Melbourne’s most significant and interesting buildings. These include residential, educational, public, sporting, religious, workplace, cultural, retail and government buildings, and infrastructural spaces.

Some of the highlights of the 2013 program are the Channel 9 Studios in Docklands, the newly developed 171 Collins Street, the brand new National Tennis Centre, a treehouse in South Yarra and the Supreme Court of Victoria – Court of Appeal.

171 Collins Street by Bates Smart. Image: www.batessmart.com.au

Perianal favourites, such as the Russell Place Substation, Royal Children’s Hospital, Manchester Unity Building and Parliament House, are opening their doors to the public once more.

Inside the iconic Manchester Unity Building. Image: www.manchesterunitybuilding.com.au

During the tours, on site volunteers will share the significance of each building’s design within a Melbourne context and contribute to visitors’ experiences of both the buildings and the city. Complimentary public talks on seminal buildings by their designers are also available.

Due to limited spaces, 10 of the 111 buildings will be pre-allocated via a ballot system which closes on 18 July. For more information, including the full building list, please visit http://www.openhousemelbourne.org/.