Description

The Abbotsford Convent was initially established by four Irish nuns, who came to Melbourne in 1863. They were members of Sisters of the Good Shepherd. In 1869, the Good Shepherd Sisters contracted Thomas Kelly as the architect to design their chapel. He based his drawings on the Good Shepherd Motherhouse in Angers, France. The foundation stone was laid in 1870 and construction was completed in 1871. Kelly also designed the Sacred Heart building at Abbotsford Convent.

In 2010 the Good Shepherd Sisters contracted architect Robert Simeoni to renovate and modernise the chapel. During the three-year renovations, the gravestone and tomb of Sister Carmel Curtin, who led Abbotsford Convent for 15 years from 1873, was uncovered. Other discoveries included black slate marble pillars and a hidden round stained-glass window behind the Altar which was originally gifted to the sisters by the architect Mr Kelly. In 2013 Robert Simeoni and his team won the National Architect Award for Heritage for his work on the Good Shepherd Chapel.

The Good Shepherd Chapel continues to be a cultural and spiritual centre. Mass is offered four times a week. The Chapel hosts weddings, baptisms, funerals, concerts, recitals and art exhibitions in the gallery.

What's On

Visit the historical Good Shepherd Chapel located within the Abbotsford Convent precinct. Our chapel has transformed over time to become a cherished community venue where people can gather, share, learn, enjoy, and reflect. It is a vibrant space well known for its historical significance and as a wonderful backdrop for special events, rich with character and ambience.

The History Centre provides a dynamic view of the Good Shepherd Sisters’ story, shares the diverse experiences of former residents and provides an overview of the nine institutional sites across Australia and New Zealand. The National Memorial to Former Residents is in the chapel garden.

Join us for a guided tour to learn more, or pick up a map of the chapel and Abbotsford Convent site for a self-guided tour. We will also have free music performances throughout the weekend.

Children's Activities

There will be an area for children set up in the side altar with colouring pages, colouring pencils and children’s picture story books.