Visual
Stories
Every year, Open House Europe launches an international open call for visual stories, encouraging participants to share their views on architecture and reflect on the Annual Theme through photography, film, drawing and other visual art forms. The selected Visual Stories become an exhibition and travel across Europe to various Open House Europe partner organisations. Additionally, selected works are featured in a printed publication and online.

How to
participate?
Submit your creative interpretations of the 2024 Annual Theme, ‘Accessibility and Inclusion’, based on your experiences during your local Open House festival.
Gallery

Accessibility and Inclusion in Eptapyrgio, Thessaloniki
Syrmo Papadaki

A heartfelt moment unfolds in Thessaloniki’s historic Eptapyrgio, as a mother gently holds her child’s hand, guiding them along the cobblestone paths of this iconic fortress. The image captures the harmony between heritage and modern accessibility, highlighting the importance of inclusive spaces where families of all abilities can explore and connect with history. The mother’s attentive gaze reflects care and empowerment, symbolising the ongoing efforts to ensure cultural landmarks are welcoming for everyone.

Nothing Can Stop Me
Konstantia Makri
The project, ‘Nothing Can Stop Me’, spreads a message of resilience to people with disabilities. In the video, the comical accidents of two toy cars carry a deeper meaning—to not give up despite adversity. Everyone, regardless of the challenges they face, can live with a smile, overcome obstacles and find ways to enjoy life. Weaknesses are not the end but only part of the journey, and strength is found not in perfection but in resilience.

Twelve Years of Open Doors
Athanasios Xenitidis
For twelve years, we’ve opened our doors to everyone, inviting fresh voices and curious minds into our shared spaces. We believe that understanding our heritage, culture and creativity should be accessible to all. Our tradition continues, embracing the diversity that makes us stronger. We are proud to continue sharing our stories, culture, architecture and passion.

Standing Out, Yet Embraced
Georgia Kasapi

Even though it’s not easily visible, the man in this picture is an elderly person. The day this picture was taken, it was a heavily windy and cold day. I was fascinated by this man’s courage and strength to wait in a long line in the cold and windy weather to see the building and the art exhibition hosted inside. When I spotted him, I immediately knew I wanted to create art inspired by him and the building simultaneously. When he stood in the middle of the building, I seized the chance to take a picture from the ground to the top so that the roof’s lines and structure would all point to him, making him stand out as the oldest man in the room, with such passion for art and architecture. Both the volunteers and the building embraced him that day!

OPEN HOUSE THESSALONIKI 2024 “DON’T MISS THE CHANCE”
IOANNA KAKARANTZA
ERMEION COURT which was built in 1925 at the center of Thessaloniki in 23 Venizelou St.
MALAKOPI ARCADE that was built in 1906 at the center of Thessaloniki in 7 Syngrou St.
SFAGEIA an 1896 industrial building at the west side of Thessaloniki in 35 26th Oktovriou St.
FEDERATION OF INDUSTRIES OF GREECE HQ at the west side of Thessaloniki in 21 26is Oktovriou St.
Such a beautiful event with lovely volunteers that I found out last year for the first time and I got very impressed, so in 2024 I was more organised and the sun was by my side offered me generously the light of the world in these wonderful buildings as a memorable gift.

Which accessibility and inclusion?
Athanasia Miliadou


Nowadays, it is more likely to discuss for subjects like inclusion and acceptance, but are they really exist? In the world there is still discrimination and prejudice on some groups of people and there is a lot of work that can be done..

In The Light Of Hope
Maria Myroforidou







In my first experience with Open House, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of unique and fascinating buildings. Inspired by this year’s theme, I focused on the architecture of older buildings, many of which were designed without considering access for people with mobility issues. In my visual story, I aimed to explore the contrast between inaccessible spaces and the longing for connection. The space is dark and suffocating, while the stairs become the barriers for them. The climb toward the light feels impossible, both physically and emotionally. The light symbolises hope and and the desire for belonging. These images capture the sadness and loneliness of being in a world that feels as though it was never built for you, like watching the world move, unable to join in. But no one should ever feel left out. By removing the barriers, we empower them to reach for the light.

Valuable Experience
Eftychia Paltsidou







Photo collection “Valuable Experience”, is all about accessibility and inclusion to the values of the Open House, and how they have been adjusted to my city, Thessaloniki.
Arts, Education, Culture, Hospitality, Design, glorious City views, are the guidelines of the institution for OHT24 tours. This year’s experience was accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Shifting Perspectives
Dimitra Vrousgou

My drawing explores the theme of “Accessibility and Inclusion” by presenting two contrasting perspectives of my city, Thessaloniki, through different lenses. The black-and-white lenses depict the real, often inaccessible side of the city—structures and spaces that feel cold, uninviting, and disconnected from the diverse needs of its inhabitants. This perspective highlights the barriers that many face in navigating the urban environment.
In contrast, the vibrant lenses portray an ideal, inclusive version of the city—a place full of color, life, and connection, where architecture embraces accessibility and fosters a sense of belonging for everyone. The lively details and welcoming atmosphere invite viewers to imagine a city where design prioritizes inclusivity, creativity, and community.
Through this juxtaposition, my artwork seeks to challenge viewers to reflect on the current state of our cities and envision a more accessible and inclusive future.

Coffee Table
Αρμουτιδου Ιωάννα Μαρία

This table was a part of the hipster’s hotel exhibition.