Open House Weekend 2010
21 September 2010 (updated on 21 September 2010)
On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 September Portcullis House opened its doors to the public as part of London's Open House Weekend.
Portcullis House provides office space and administrative facilities for MPs and their staff. Its modern architecture is a contrast to the neo-Gothic style of the Palace of Westminster.
Around 3500 visitors admired the architecture of Portcullis House and enjoyed a range of displays and talks from representatives of the architects Michael Hopkins & Partners, the Clock Tower (Big Ben) team, Parliamentary Archives, The Official Report (Hansard), Parliamentary Clerks and Information Services representing both Houses of Parliament.
Particularly popular with visitors this year was the first public viewing of the work of the 2010 British Election Artist, Simon Roberts who captured scenes and events from the election campaign on his camera. Simon himself visited on Sunday with guests and some lucky visitors were able to learn more about his work from the photographer himself.
Open House Weekend
Open House Weekend takes place every year and gives the public the chance to see inside over 600 architecturally significant buildings which are not generally freely open to all.
It aims to raise awareness of great buildings and invites people to understand, explore and appreciate architecture in London.