Open House London: Our pick of East London's best

In just over a week, hundreds of wonderful buildings all over London will open their doors to the public for one weekend only, allowing us the chance to explore some renowned landmarks and discover some rather more secret ones.

With so many fantastic buildings to see and only a weekend to see them in, we’ve put together our pick of the must see buildings in East London to help give you a head start and enjoy as many of them as possible.

Photo credit: clickclickjim

The Antepavilion Rooftop Initiative

55 Laburnum Street, E2 8BD

A joint venture between the Architecture Foundation and the Arthouse Foundation, an international competition was launched to design a pop-up rooftop at Columbia and Brunswick Wharf. The goal; to explore innovative ways of living within the city while engaging with issues of sustainability. Check out The Beach House, Flood House, Wikkel House and this year’s competition winner HVAC by PUP Architects.

Access Saturday 16th 10am–1pm and Sunday 17th 10am–5pm

Photo Credit: Open House London

Dennis Severs House

18 Folgate Street, E1 6BX

Dennis Severs dedicated his life to re creating his home as living museum. This incredible house will give you a snapshot of Huguenot life so real you almost feel as if you have been transported back in time. Completely mesmerising.

Access Saturday 16th Open 12pm–4pm

Photo Credit: Open House London

Hoxton Hall

130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH

This Grade II listed Victorian building is said to be the only surviving example of a salon-style music hall. A theatre, music and events venue, rehearsal and recording space plus a youth arts centre, the hall is home to some of London’s most exciting emerging new talent.

Access Sunday 17th Open 11am–6pm

Photo Credit: Rio Cinema

Rio Cinema

107 Kingsland High Street, E8 2PB

This fascinating Grade II listed Art Deco cinema features a grand single screen, two floor auditorium within the shell of what was originally an Edwardian cinema. The venue will be showing a photographic exhibition of the cinemas history.

Access Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th Open 10am–12.30pm

Shoreditch Town Hall

380 Old Street, EC1V 9LT

This magnificent building has a heritage as one of the grandest Vestry Halls in London. As well as the beautiful Assembly Hall, don’t miss your chance to sneak a peak at the untouched warren of basement rooms beneath the building.

Access Sunday 17th All day

Photo Credit: Open House London

Widebeam Narrowboat, Juniper Island

Haggerston Wharf, Regents Canal, Kenning Terrace, N1 5PP

Ever wondered what it would be like to live on a narrowboat? Well here’s your chance, home to two local artists, this cosy home takes a modern twist on traditional canal boat architecture.

Access Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th Open 11am–4pm

Photo Credit: Walthamstow Pump House Museum

Walthamstow Pump House Muesum

10 South Access Road, E17 8AX

This Grade II listed Victorian engine house was remodelled to house a pair of Marshall steam engines (thought to be the only ones left in existence). The engines will be in operation especially for the Open House weekend at 11am on both days.

Access Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th 10am–5pm

Photo Credit: Village Underground

Village Underground

54 Holywell Lane, EC2A 3PQ

Always wondered what those old tube carriages were doing on the top of a building in Shoreditch? Now you can see for yourself. This renovated warehouse hosts everything from concerts and club nights to exhibitions, theatre, live art and other performances, with the carriages themselves used as affordable artist’s studios.

Access Saturday 16th Open 11am–6pm

Photo Credit: Open House London

St Augustine's Tower 

The Narroway, off Mare Street, E8 1HR

Said to be the oldest building in Hackney, this familiar landmark even appears on the Borough's coat of arms. If you’ve got a head for heights it definitely worth the climb for the fantastic views.

Access Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th 11am–5pm

Photo Credit: Open House London

Kingsley Hall

Powis Road, off Bruce Road, E3 3HJ

This progressive East End community centre was set up by sisters Doris and Muriel Kingsley in the 1920’s. The building includes residential units or cells, as Muriel Lester referred to them, one of which was famously used for a time by Mahatma Gandhi. A tour of this fascinating institution includes Ghandi’s cell, the peace garden and an exhibition of the building’s history.

Access Saturday 16th Open 11am–6pm

Photo credit: London Buddhist Centre

London Buddhist Centre

51 Roman Road , Bethnal Green, E2 0HU

This imposing red brick Victorian building was formerly a fire station. Now home to the London Buddhist Centre, it encompasses three shrine rooms with ornate buddhas. The perfect place to find your zen on a Sunday afternoon

Access Sunday 17th Open 10am–5pm

Photo Credit: Open House London

Wilton’s Music Hall

Graces Alley, E1 8JB

This beautiful music hall is said to be the oldest in the word. Hidden away behind a small terrace of houses and reached via pedestrian access only you wouldn’t even know this marvellous place existed. Discover how an old Victorian ale house went from music hall to Methodist Mission and was then completely forgotten before becoming the landmark building is it today

Access Saturday 16th September 10am - 1pm

For more information on all the above buildings and to find out what will be open throughout the rest of London visit the Open House London website.