A City You Can Touch: Open House Palma Opens Over 60 Doors

A City You Can Touch: Open House Palma Returns

In the early morning, when the Passeig del Born still smelled of fresh coffee and damp stone and church bells played their calm neighborhood song in the distance, the first small groups gathered. The sky had that late-autumn blue-gray people here love: clear enough to see details, yet soft. Today Open House Palma begins its fifth edition — which means: doors that usually stay shut are open.

More Than Just a Tour

Over 60 buildings are on the program this year. You can enter the former barracks Son Busquets, climb the lighthouse at PortoPi, or wander through courtyards that even long-time residents find surprising. There are guided tours, workshops for children and adults, and themed walks through neighborhoods normally reserved for the people who live and work there.

Who the Festival Suits

The great thing about Open House is that it isn't an exclusive event for architects. Families with curious children listen just as much as students, pensioners, and visitors who stay longer. At one corner today I heard a young mother say: 'I didn't know there was a patio behind that façade.' Small surprises like that change the way you see the city. Suddenly every stone, every step becomes a storyteller.

Logistics — Useful Information

Many tours are free. That is a real gift in a time when almost everything has a price. But be careful: for some especially sought-after visits registration is required. Spaces fill up quickly — availability is more like a good morning catch: first come, first served. My tip: check the program page early, set clear priorities, and allow a bit of time. And bring a jacket — when the sun goes down it gets chilly.

What Mallorca Gains

Open House makes the city more understandable. It brings people together who otherwise pass each other by: residents, craftsmen, students, curious guests. That fosters a sense of belonging and respect for the built heritage. When school classes take part, city history becomes tangible; when neighbors go on tours together, conversations happen that would not otherwise occur. In short: the festival strengthens community spirit and shows that architecture is part of everyday life — not an abstract discipline.

If you want to take part, wear sturdy footwear — some staircases are steep and the floors have character. Photographers should be considerate: some places are private and very sensitive. And if you're just dropping by: the weekend days Saturday and Sunday offer the largest program; during the week there are smaller events and workshops.

Practical details: Main days: Saturday & Sunday; many tours free; some tours have limited spaces and require registration; workshops already during the week. Info and registration: official festival website.