Description

Abbotsford Convent is located on part of the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people. The nearby junction of the Merri Creek and Birrarung at Dights Falls continues to be an important meeting place for the people of the Kulin Nation.

Today an engine room of creativity and home to more than 150 artists and creators, Abbotsford Convent was once one of the largest Catholic complexes in Australia. Founded by The Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1863, the Convent operated as a monastic site until 1975, providing refuge, education and shelter for thousands of women and girls. The Abbotsford Convent Foundation honours the stories of these women through sharing their history to create a culture of healing.

Inscribed on the National Heritage List in 2017, the Convent and surrounding gardens and grounds are recognised for demonstrating Australia’s social and welfare history. The architectural styles of the Convent’s 11 buildings range from French Gothic/Medieval, European Baroque Revival to utilitarian early colonial architecture. Most buildings were constructed between 1868 and 1908.  Today, these buildings can be experienced through a dynamic arts, culture, and events program that respects the history of these sites whilst building a living heritage of continued community use and engagements.

What's On

Free offers include social history tours, behind-the-scenes opportunities to explore open artists’ studios, entertainment, installations, archival and future-focused videos and architectural & historical tours of the grounds.

Ticketed tours include the Magdalen Laundries architects' tour led by Peter Williams, the Gardens and Landscape Tour with writer and environmentalist Sophie Cunningham and heritage architect Nigel Lewis, the Sacred Heart Restoration tour by Lynn Chew representing Kirsten Thompson Architects and the Wurundjeri River Walk led by Wurundjeri Elders.

Participants will be invited back to a panel discussion, Living Heritage: Innovative Design Approaches, chaired by esteemed landscape architect Ron Jones. Panel members include collaborators plus Heritage Interior Designer Virginia Blue.

Venues will be open for visitors to explore.

This site is mobility-friendly and neurodiverse considerate. Find out more on our new Access Map.