On August 3rd 2016, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust hosted the official launch ceremony to announce the programme for the upcoming Glasgow Doors Open Day 2016. For the 27th year in a row, the city will put its heritage at the centre of cultural events for an entire week to celebrate history, tradition and shared European values. Between 12th and 18th September, 114 buildings will offer free admissions, while 51 walks and tours, 37 talks, and 13 special events will be organised around the city.

The primary focus of the events will be the architecture, as this year’s Glasgow Doord Open Day is organised within the national Festival of Architecture for the Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design. In addition to this, an important emphasis will be put on communities and the ways they help creating and preserving architectural heritage of the city. The European Heritage Days common theme “Heritage Communities” will be celebrated in Glasgow’s vivid community spaces such as Woodlands Community Garden, Flourish House, Queens Park Camera Club, and many others.

 “The 2016 Glasgow Doors Open Days programme is truly a unique opportunity to explore Glasgow. Get behind the scenes, learn about intriguing buildings, enjoy a city tour, be amazed at our talks, see an exhibition or maybe even a performance at the Govan Graving Docks. There really is something for everyone,” said Rachel Holliman, Events and Development Coordinator at Glasgow Building Preservation Trust in the associated press release.

The city’s historical gem, St Andrew’s in the Square, will be at the centre of celebrations with the largest number of themed events. As outlined in the press release, this landmark will enable visitors to learn about the building’s history directly from staff members and volunteers, attend educational talks, and see the Festival of Architecture Scotstyle Exhibition.

Among other interesting landmarks that will participate in DOD, Glasgow Museum will organise guided tours every hour and will also collaborate with an artist Marion Gardyne and Gateway Hall to host a family event in this youth sports/health club. The city's beautiful theatres will organise special performances to offer memorable experiences for visitors. King’s Theatre, Scottish Youth Theatre, and Citizens Theatre are some of the places where visitors will be able to see exciting theatrical performances, while the institutions such as High Court of Justifier and Town Hall will unveil a more "political" Glasgow.

To motivate the youngest to actively explore the city's heritage and culture, the programme will include a variety of activities for children. From various workshops, games, and outings to a drawing competition, children will have a number of exciting ways to learn about the city's historical places and people. The organisers will also host a photo competition for all visitors in order to motivate as many people as possible to share their most memorable moments from the festival. Everyone who submits up to three high resolution photos of the events to doorsopendays@gbpt.com enters the competition to a chance to win valuable prizes.

More information on the competition and all the other events is available on the official website of Glasgow Door Open Days.

Photo credits: glasgowdoorsopenday.com