Saturday 10 September is Doors Open Day in Aberdeen this year and a bumper number of buildings are open with more events and talks than ever before.
As the main sponsor of this hugely-popular event, the University is also the largest contributor of buildings this year with the new Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health and Zoology teaching labs opening their doors for the first time.
Doors Open Day is the annual opportunity to explore Aberdeen’s hidden architectural heritage. This year will see a record number of buildings open their doors, with over 40 taking part - seven of them for the first time including the Anatomy Rooms, Rosemount Community Centre, Ferryhill Parish Church, James Hutton Institute, and the Lodge of Old Aberdeen.
After a short absence, Aberdeen’s Sheriff Court will be offering visitors a chance to explore their courts and this year the Tolbooth Museum, Scotland oldest and best preserved jail celebrates its 400th birthday. Many old favourites of Doors Open Day will also be open for people to explore, such as the Kirk of St Nicholas and the Beach Ballroom.
This year’s packed programme also includes a range of talks and tours, all of which are free to attend. The reroofing work at the Townhouse and tours of the excavation are particular highlights.
Seventeen Belmont Street will feature a residency from popular local artist Gabi Reith while there will be regular tours of the Institute of Medical Science and a chance to meet many of the different research groups resident there.
In addition to all of this, there will be lots of family friendly activities including a family fun day at the Fire Station and tours of the Carmelite Hotel and the Synagogue on Dee Street.
Chris Croly, Project Officer at the University and Local Area Coordinator for Aberdeen Doors Open Day said: "It’s great to see so many buildings participating this year. Doors Open Day remains one of the most popular days in Aberdeen which really does offer something for everyone, from a chance to explore the Freemasons Hall to a visit to CLAN House.
"This year we are really thankful to our sponsors for making this event possible, principally the University of Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Society of Architects and Aberdeen City Heritage Trust."
As always a free bus will be available on Doors Open Day which will take people to some of these buildings. The Hydrogen bus is sponsored by Stagecoach, Aberdeen City Council and First Bus.
The full list of buildings open and details of what exciting activities they have on is available to download at www.doorsopendays.org.uk/find-a-building
Doors Open Day is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust, and locally by the Aberdeen Doors Open day committee. Along with Scottish Archaeology and Heritage Festival, it forms Scotland’s contribution to European Heritage Days.
For further information please visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk