openhousenewyork (OHNY) was inspired by the success of similar events, starting with Open House London, Doors Open Toronto and other cities around the world. The 2003 inaugural OHNY Weekend was launched as part of New York City's first Architecture Week. Through the Annual openhousenewyork Weekend and other year-round programs, OHNY educates a diverse audience about New York's rich architectural, urban and historical development by providing access to innovative, inspiring and engaging sites of architectural, engineering and design significance. Inspired by his volunteer experiences with Open House London, openhousenewyork inc.'s founder, Scott Lauer, started the organization in 2001.
Now in its fifth year, OHNY programs include the free of charge Annual OHNY Weekend held each October and educational programs for adults and youth year-round. In 2005, Executive Director P. Joy Villalino succeeded Scott Lauer (who remains as founder and board president). Under her leadership, openhousenewyork has grown to encompass new revenue-generating initiatives and expanded year-round and Weekend programs focusing on New York City's built-environment and structures that embody the city's past and are the foundation for its future.