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Sites of Melbourne’s west open to the public

Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of some of the biggest places in Melbourne’s west?

Open House Melbourne Weekend has unveiled one of the largest programs in its history, with almost 200 buildings, places and experiences open to the public to explore.

On the weekend of July 26 and 27, Victorians will be granted access to some of Melbourne’s most fascinating buildings, new projects and private homes that the public cannot usually see as part of Stories of the City.

This year’s program will feature some of Melbourne’s most high-profile architecture and public-infrastructure projects.

In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, there will be a Footscray heritage theatres, tours of Footscray Market, Footscray Park and Footscray Townhall, access and tours of Whitten Oval and the Sun Theatre.

There’s site tours for the Altona Treatment Plant, Altona Homestead, Scienceworks and the Substation.

There will also be a site tour of new Veloway on the West Gate Tunnel Project,

As well as a city-wide role-playing game set in the year 2050 and behind the scenes tours of some of the city’s street art studios.

Open House Melbourne’s executive director and chief curator Dr Tania Davidge said this year’s theme and how the event would shine a light on Melbourne’s hidden histories.

“Stories of the City underscores the idea that the city is more than just bricks and mortar, Melbourne is about people and place,” she said.

“Open House Melbourne Weekend is your best time to explore the secret histories of our city hidden behind closed doors.”

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