diff --git a/src/build123d/topology/two_d.py b/src/build123d/topology/two_d.py
index 31750476..4eb05c2a 100644
--- a/src/build123d/topology/two_d.py
+++ b/src/build123d/topology/two_d.py
@@ -764,6 +764,11 @@ class Face(Mixin2D[TopoDS_Face]):
             inner_topods_wires = (
                 [w.wrapped for w in inner_wires] if inner_wires is not None else []
             )
+            if any(
+                not BRep_Tool.IsClosed_s(w)
+                for w in [outer_wire.wrapped] + inner_topods_wires
+            ):
+                raise ValueError("Face can only be created with closed wires")
             obj = _make_topods_face_from_wires(outer_wire.wrapped, inner_topods_wires)
 
         super().__init__(
diff --git a/tests/test_direct_api/test_face.py b/tests/test_direct_api/test_face.py
index fa60acf1..92b78d88 100644
--- a/tests/test_direct_api/test_face.py
+++ b/tests/test_direct_api/test_face.py
@@ -1280,8 +1280,16 @@ class TestFace(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(isinstance(revolved, Shell))
         self.assertAlmostEqual(revolved.edges().sort_by(Axis.Y)[-1].radius, 2, 5)
 
+    def test_open_wire(self):
+        perimeter = Polyline((0, 0), (1, 0), (1, 1), (0, 1))
+        with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+            Face(perimeter)
 
-class TestAxesOfSymmetrySplitNone(unittest.TestCase):
+        with self.assertRaises(ValueError):
+            Face(Wire.make_circle(5), [perimeter])
+
+
+class TestAxesOfSysmmetrySplitNone(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_split_returns_none(self):
         # Create a rectangle face for testing.
         rect = Rectangle(10, 5).face()