Open House

In London, you can take a look inside the BBC when we open our doors – along with hundreds of other buildings in the capital – as part of the annual Open House weekend. Open House is a key initative to get everyone thinking about how our buildings affect our lives, and the BBC is proud to be part of it.

In 2006, over 1,500 visitors came to the four main BBC buildings in London: Broadcasting House, Television Centre, Bush House and White City. Accompanied by informative guides who worked in the buildings, visitors saw the original architecture of broadcasting (Broadcasting House), contemporary TV and radio studios and the first ever home of global broadcasting (Bush House). They also viewed new flexible media workspaces, and artworks – old and new – commissioned for several of the buildings.

What visitors said:

"Wonderful opportunity to see sympathetic redevelopment of Broadcasting House."

"Exceptionally interesting: a real insight... Great guides. A gem."

"I've always wanted to see behind the doors of Television Centre – now I know what happens there!"

"Brilliant tour with excellent guides."

"Excellent tour, excellent guides, excellent building. I'll be back!"

"Fascinating to see behind the scenes at Bush House – a building I've known from the outside for 20 years!"

"Lovely new architecture at White City – loved the light atria and the colours."

Junior Open House

In May 2006, the BBC also collaborated in Junior Open House, which invited young children – 'ArchiKids' – into BBC buildings to get them going on the architectural trail. They looked at textures and materials, thought about how different work environments made them feel, and explored the links between interior and exterior spaces.

What children from Melcombe Primary School said:

"It was cool."

"The building was light and bright and made me feel good as I walked in."

"I liked the colours in the walls and the wood."

"The best thing was the rainwater used for the toilets. This really helps the environment."