Locked doors are about to swing open as Open House New York (OHNY) returns this weekend, giving New Yorkers rare, behind-the-scenes access to some of the city’s most fascinating spaces.
For the uninitiated, the beloved annual festival unlocks hundreds of buildings, landmarks, and hidden gems across the five boroughs—many of which are normally closed to the public or charge higher admission fees. From historic towers and rooftop gardens to studios, cemeteries, and even the MTA’s inner workings, OHNY invites visitors to see the city like never before.
This year’s lineup is bigger than ever, with 341 sites and 1,600 hours of programming packed into just three days.
🗝️ A Once-A-Year Chance To See Inside NYC’s Secrets
Launched in 2003, the first Open House New York Weekend included just 84 sites. Over two decades later, the event has exploded into a massive citywide celebration with more than 300 destinations and over 1,000 hours of free programming. Kristin LaBuz, executive director of Open House New York, stated:
New York never feels more generous than during Open House New York Weekend, when 1,400 volunteers show tens of thousands of visitors their corners of the city. There’s a site for everyone, so take your child, your grandparent, or your best friend to check one out.
This year’s event kicks off Friday, October 17th, running through Sunday, October 19th, 2025. Expect a mix of in-person experiences, self-guided tours, and digital content—all designed to uncover the city’s architectural, cultural, and historical layers.
🗺️ No Ticket? No Problem—160+ Sites Welcome Drop-In Visitors
While some of the most popular venues require reservations (and even light background checks), more than 160 participating sites are completely free and open to the public—no tickets needed.
You can explore secret gardens, artist studios, boat tours, and hidden collections scattered throughout the city (see all the drop-in sites that don’t require tickets here).
5 of the coolest places you can see for Open House New York Weekend 2025
Not sure where to start? Here are five of the coolest spots unlocking their doors this year:
- 🛳️ Yankee Ferry – the last surviving Ellis Island ferry
- 🏢 Rockefeller Center – explore four venues including the Rainbow Room and Radio Park
- 🌆 The World Trade Center – step inside two rarely seen floors (79 and 80)
- 🚇 Behind the Scenes of the MTA – see how the city’s transit system runs
- ⚰️ Woodlawn Cemetery – join a walking tour of its Gilded Age mausoleums
OHNY even curated a list of specifically family-friendly options to explore–see it here.
Whether you’re drawn to NYC’s architectural wonders, hidden corners, or secret rooftops, Open House New York is your chance to explore the city from a whole new perspective.
🗓️ Open House New York Weekend 2025 runs October 17-19, 2025.