I’m an Open House New Yorker
This year, Open House New York opened doors across the five boroughs and saw over 55,000 participants from 89% of the city’s zip codes. It was another year of connecting so many New Yorkers with each other and their city.
As a small nonprofit organization, our work would not be possible without the generous support of our dedicated members, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and friends. As part of our annual I’m an Open House New Yorker campaign, we asked sixteen members of the OHNY community why they support our work.
How has OHNY connected you to your fellow New Yorkers?
Vanessa K.
OHNY Weekend Partner, Colossal Media
“As a Weekend Partner, I’ve had the honor of hosting New Yorkers and sharing our stories, but what’s meant the most is how much comes back in return. OHNY has connected me with people I might never have met otherwise, creating unexpected conversations and genuine community.”
Angelica M.
Volunteer
“Open House New York introduced me to fellow creatives whose curiosity and passion matched my own. Through volunteering, I met a myriad of people with diverse personalities and perspectives, each interaction expanding my sense of community. Beyond connecting me to New York itself, it reminded me of what I value most: genuine human connection. And I have to give a shoutout to Noble Signs, the designers of this year’s branding, for being such a dope and inspiring group of people.
Zahir V.
OHNY Weekend Partner, Ismaili Jamatkhana, Manhattan
“OHNY gave me the opportunity to meet neighbors from near and far in the Manhattan Jamatkhana, a place that is very personally important and meaningful to me. By giving us that ability to open our space and our hearts, I felt I got to know some of my fellow New Yorkers and visitors both warmly and with genuine curiosity, with all of us parting ways feeling more connected to one another and to New York City.”
Maxwell O.
Supporter
“Almost every day I see something / experience something that I have a deeper understanding of thanks to OHNY. From turning on the water in the bathroom in the morning, to taking a ferry commute mid-day, not only do I have a better understanding of how this stuff works, I have met the people who make it all happen.”
How has OHNY shaped your relationship to or
perspective of the city?
Paula K.
Volunteer
“Volunteering for Open House New York provides me a way to give back to the city I love. At the same time, I learn more than I could ever absorb from a book, website or documentary. I get to take it all in by being right in the middle of the action.”
Katie A.
Member and Volunteer
“Open House New York has changed the way I look at the city, from the lighting in Penn Station to art studios behind nondescript doors in Brooklyn. It gives me such a sense of wonder to know there will always be new places to discover—and I’ll have the chance to see so many of them firsthand.”
Erika F.
Board Member
“Through OHNY, I’ve come to see New York as a living story, deepening my sense of belonging to the city’s ever-evolving narrative. It’s helped me appreciate the layered history behind everyday streets, buildings, and neighborhoods—and sparked a desire to keep uncovering the hidden stories that shape them.”
Rowan W.
Member and Volunteer
“There are few corners in NYC where OHNY has not taught or shown me something new–from the rivers to the rooftops, OHNY has deepened my love for and understanding of the city in so many ways.”
Kai B.
Volunteer
“Joining the OHNY community as a volunteer has added even more dimension to this city, for me. I get to meet the most interesting people, while exploring one of the most fascinating cities in the world.”
I’m an Open House New Yorker because…
Sandra A
Partner, Murray Engineering
“I believe the city is at its best when we open our doors, and our stories, to one another. OHNY gives me a chance to explore the creativity, history, and ingenuity behind the places we walk by every day. Being part of this community reminds me that New York is constantly shaped by people who care deeply about design, place-making, and connection, and I’m proud to support that spirit.”
Sajid A.
Member
“I get to view the hidden systems that power the city, hear from the people working on improving them and meet others who have an interest in learning more about the shared future of our city.”
Forth B.
Board Member
“OHNY is a celebration of everything that is possible in the city we all call home. I’m an Open House New Yorker because I believe in the power of New York’s built environment to lift individuals, families and our society.”
Steven R.
Volunteer
“OHNY has shown me there’s always more to the city than meets the eye. Now, I’m always keeping a look out for a building or infrastructure that I’ve never seen or explored and wondering what is its history.”
Liz L.
Board Member
“I’m an Open House New Yorker because OHNY has turned my curiosity into a deeper understanding of the city I love. It makes me feel more connected, more aware, and more invested as a citizen.”
Amber E.
Volunteer
“I get to experience the unseen with others who share my passion for the places and faces of our city.”
Claudia H.
Board Member
“It connects me with the city’s creativity and awesomeness in a celebratory and generous way. It’s fun, inspiring, human, and unexpected.”