November is a busy month for building huggers.  It is Architecture Month and, following the lead of other great cities like London, Paris and New York, Perth had an Open House. Old buildings, new buildings, concept spaces, even an artsy public restroom were opened wide to the general public for peeking, inspiration and guffawing.  A serious drawcard for the nosey public is not only going into interesting buildings but that often, if it is a guided tour, very restricted/private areas are also opened. Oh, we feel so important.

Two weeks later, Heritage Perth takes over a weekend.  More buildings are opened up to the public. These aren’t necessarily brick & mortar marvels but their ghosts are more interesting and social history is on greater display.  Interesting tidbits emerge like the Queen’s requirement of an exclusive private toilet in the buildings she takes a turn through, the women’s poor house turned government print office and the diva gossip dished out during behind-the-scenes tours at performance venues.

In my previous life in North America, my employment would take me to some very interesting places the general public had no access to.  It was like being let in on a secret so few knew.  With no such current all-access opportunity here in Perth, I look forward to the Heritage Perth weekend every year.  If your community doesn’t have such events, spearhead the drive to start one.  Stop looking at buildings that are  in your way and start seeing them in a fresh way. Be a tourist in your own neighborhood. Bring heritage to life.