Looking for volunteers
Do you love culture and architecture? Would you like to contribute, have a unique experience and meet people with different interests and passions? Join Open House Ticino 2026 as a volunteer! You will have the opportunity to discover and visit buildings of particular architectural interest throughout Ticino, learn more about the culture and territory, meet architects and designers, and experience an international cultural event that is part of a movement present in many countries across Europe and around the world. It will also be a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and share experiences. And to celebrate the experience together, there will be a closing party for all volunteers!
The volunteer call will be open until 12:00 p.m. on September 23, 2026. The meeting for the assignment of buildings and shifts will take place on September 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Photo: Sarah Maton
Become a changemaker in a widespread event: an engaging and stimulating experience that offers you the opportunity to develop skills, acquire new knowledge and explore your passion with a community that shares your interests.
Expand your personal network and seize the opportunity to create meaningful connections, both culturally and professionally.
Contribute to the opening of prestigious and highly significant sites by actively participating with guided tours or by offering organizational support at the program’s locations and events. Thanks to your commitment, the public will be able to discover and appreciate the sometimes hidden architectural heritage of the Canton of Ticino. A unique opportunity to share your passion for local culture with a curious and engaged community.
All languages welcome.
FAQ
Who can become a volunteer?
Open House Ticino is open to all adults interested in architecture, culture and the local area. No specific background in architecture is required.
What does a volunteer do?
Volunteers are the point of reference for the public during the Open House weekend. Depending on the building and the role assigned, they may be responsible for welcoming visitors, registering participants, managing access, providing information to the public and supporting guided tours.
Do I have to be an architect?
No. No specific training is required. For some buildings, volunteers may support the guide or, where agreed, suitably prepared volunteers may accompany visitors directly.
What are my responsibilities as a volunteer?
Volunteers will be present at the buildings during the Open House weekend. Their main task will be to welcome visitors and provide information about the programme and the building. Volunteers are also encouraged to help in the days leading up to the event, particularly with the preparation and distribution of materials.
Volunteers must be adults and must have private third-party liability insurance covering any accidental damage caused to third parties.
Can I choose which building I volunteer at?
Yes, we will do our best to take volunteers’ preferences into account.
How long does a shift last?
The duration varies depending on the building and the type of visit. The programme is organised into defined geographical areas, with openings arranged in time slots corresponding to half-days. Volunteers will therefore be assigned to a specific building and time slot, based on organisational needs and the availability collected.
How many shifts do I have to do?
When assignments are made, you will be asked about your availability. We will try to organise the shifts fairly, taking into account the needs of the buildings and the preferences expressed.
Do I have to attend a training session?
Yes. Before the event, an assignment meeting will be organised, during which the working procedures and volunteers’ tasks will be explained. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to socialise and exchange advice with volunteers who took part in the first edition of Open House! Before the event, each volunteer will receive the information necessary to carry out their role.
What should I do if I can no longer participate?
It is important to let us know as soon as possible so that we can arrange a replacement. Volunteers are an essential part of the organisation, and their presence must be guaranteed for the entire duration of their assigned shift.
Do volunteers receive any materials?
Yes. Before the event, you will receive all the operational information and materials necessary to carry out your role. You will also be informed about when and where to collect the materials.
Is there any compensation?
No, participation is voluntary and does not involve any compensation.
Can I participate if I live outside Ticino?
Yes. The important thing is to be able to guarantee your presence during the assigned shifts and participate in the planned preparation activities.
Is speaking several languages useful?
Yes! Open House Ticino welcomes an international audience, and language skills are highly appreciated.
What do I gain from the experience?
It is an opportunity to discover buildings that are normally not accessible to the public, meet architects, designers and other architecture enthusiasts, and make a concrete contribution to a major cultural event in the region.