About Open House
Open House is a public art piece in the city centre of Cape Town. It is a 10.5 metre high bright red 'house' without a back. Its narrow three-storey facáde, complete with stairs and wrought iron balconies, is the creation of artist Jacques Coetzer, who won a World Design Capital competition for his work.
Did you know? Open House is a symbolic landmark where you are encouraged to sing, cry, or just wave from the balcony.
Cape Town's answer to Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park, London, Jacques Coetzer, who lives in Riebeek Kasteel, explained that his inspiration came from a combination of RDP homes, Long Street's building facádes and corrugated metal structures.
"Democracy is an Open House with a firm foundation and a balcony to sing from" was the line he used as the basis for his design.
South Africa's democracy turned 21 on 27th April 2015. The Western Cape government recognised democracy's eligibility to run its own house: “a free spirited place where our constitution can live and an open platform for political expression and freedom of speech.
"Like democracy, Open House does not offer perfect shelter, but it is a beacon for all opposed to tyranny and anarchy."
Open House stands on the corner of Dorp and Long Street in the City Bowl, a symbol of democracy and diversity, its balconies envisaged as a space to host open-mic poetry, talks and performances. It is there to encourage interaction between people across society, and freedom of speech.
When not in use for performance, locals can use it for anything – a space for lunch, a place for photographs, somewhere to watch the world go by.
Need to Know
WhereOpen House, Corner of Dorp and Long Street, Cape Town Central, City Bowl, Cape Town, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Cape Town Accommodation, Western Cape
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Cape Town Central
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Cape Town
Sundown Manor
Whether you're in Cape Town visiting our beautiful city or here for business, 4 star guesthouse, Sundown Manor is the perfect location. A friendl...
Glen Beach Bungalow and Penthouse
Glen Beach Bungalow is a fabulous beach house, situated directly on Glen Beach in Camps Bay (the small enclave nestled between Camps Bay and Clif...
Bantry Bay Suite Hotel
The Bantry Bay Suite Hotel is an exquisite blend of sea, mountain and the city. The Bantry Bay Suite Hotel offers 4 star luxury hotel suites and ...
7 On Henwick
7 on Henwick is a holiday home in Lakeside, just 2.3km from Muizenberg Beach and close to many other beaches and attractions in the area. Offerin...
Atlantic Port 9
Atlantic Port 9 is a stunning apartment with a modern interior design and a breathtaking view of Table Mountain from the balcony. The apartment i...
Haus Anhauser
Located in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, Haus Anhӓuser is situated in a quiet and safe area. The apartment offers self catering accomm...
Oceansnest Guest House
Oceansnest Guest House is a luxurious beachfront guesthouse offering accommodation in Bloubergstrand, right on the promenade. Offering the best v...
Villa Normandie
Set on the exclusive Atlantic Seaboard in the peaceful area of Fresnaye, Villa Normandie is oriented around family stays. Spaces are cleverly des...
Riversong Guest House
Enjoy affordable luxury and tranquillity set in the heart of Newlands. Riversong Guest House is beautifully furnished and offers 4 star quality a...
Things to do in the area
Helicopter Flights With Extreme Scene
Take a tour via Helicopter over Cape Town and the Peninsula. Get a birds eye view of the Cape on this fun and popular Helicopter Tour. Various tr...
Ski-Hi Ride
Did you know that the odd adrenaline rush has some amazing health benefits? It helps you to breathe easier, it's a great pain-blocker, it boosts ...
Attend a Parliamentary Session
The city of Cape Town, despite not being the capital of South Africa, is home to South Africa's Parliament (Cape Town is the legislative capital)...
Bathe at Long Street Baths
In the centre of Long Street, Cape Town, facing the Long Street Bath's heritage doors, look to the right for a view of Table Mountain, look to th...
Be Cool at Daddy Cools
The Grand Daddy's hotel bar is the ‘blingest' in Cape Town. It's not just a cool bar, it's a Daddy Cool bar! A palette of metallics and a roll-ca...
Carriage Tour of Cape Town
Cape Town Carriage Company offers the experience of exploring The Cape Town Business District and the Company's Garden in style and allows a more...
Diamond Cutting Tours
The Diamond Works is a one-stop, exciting experience for tourists, both young and old. Situated on the ground floor of the Metropolitan Life Cent...
Dine at Addis
Addis in Cape provides you with an inviting ambience and a unique dining experience right in the heart of the city of Cape Town. With its talente...
Eastern Food Bazaar
If you thought you could no longer afford to eat out when you stay in Cape Town, consider the Eastern Food Bazaar in what used to be the Wellingt...
Accommodation convenient to Open House
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation
