London Open House 2022: Hackney Town Hall among a number of local buildings offering people a peek behind the curtain

The Grade II-listed Hackney Town Hall. Image: Hackney Council

Built in the art deco style, Hackney Town Hall has seen debate across the political divide and been used as a film set and wedding venue.

It is that time again when one of the borough’s most historic buildings throws open its doors for the London Open House event – giving people a chance to explore.

People can join guided tours of the 1930s civic building on 12 and 19 September from 2.30pm to 4pm to peek behind the scenes.

Designed by architects Lancaster and Lodge, the Grade II-listed Town Hall underwent a multi-million-pound, 12-year restoration after it had become “shabby and in need of investment”, according to then Mayor Jules Pipe.

Visitors will get a chance to look at the wood-panelled, horseshoe-shaped council chamber and public gallery, as well as the 1930s “fine light fittings, panelling, floor surfaces and doors”.

They might even get a glance at the bar, added as part of the renovation in the 1930s style along with event spaces that were created by fitting new roofs.

People can also look between the covers at the four-storey CLR James Library and archives in Dalston. Designed by Earle architects, the 2011 library is named after journalist and activist CLR James and is now the home to a new Library of Things.

There is a bookable show-and-tell event at the library from 11am to 12.15pm on Saturday 10 September with Hackney-based illustrator and researcher Luise Vormittag.

Guided tours run from 11am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 4.30pm on Saturday 17 September, and places need to be booked.

There’s also a chance to peek through the keyhole at new Hackney Council homes at Taylor Court, Chatto Court, and Wilmott Court.

The council commissioned 45 new homes on the edge of the post-war Frampton Park estate from architects Henley Halebrown.

Architects will lead guided walks around some of the brick-built estate, which was completed in 2021. There are four tours on Saturday 17 September with bookings required.

Other attractions include an interactive walking tour on Thursday 15 September through Hackney Wick, exploring the changes brought about by the 2012 Olympics and beyond.

Architect Frank Matcham’s celebrated 1901 Hackney Empire is also raising the curtain on life treading the boards.

The Mildmay Club, Chats Palace and Round Chapel are also participating and people can drop in.

People can also visit private homes, including the Gingerbread House where there are guided tours, and even step aboard boats at Haggerston Wharf.

Further details and booking information for venues are available here.