Montsalvat Foundry: Behind-the-Scenes with an Artist and Sculpture
Description
Montsalvat, established in 1934, is a living artistic community set across 12 acres of gardens in Eltham. Founded by artist Justus Jörgensen and built with the help of families including the talented Skippers, Montsalvat draws inspiration from French villages while being crafted from local clay, stone, and salvaged fragments of Melbourne’s architectural heritage.
Its historic buildings showcase unique details: the Great Hall Gallery’s bay window once graced the Empire Building (later known as the Royal Insurance Building) which was originally designed in 1888 by Thomas Crouch. Sculptures by Matcham Skipper, carved artist faces in the Bluestone Chapel, and the Barn Gallery’s timber uprights from the Wollongong wharves also reflect generations of creativity.
Montsalvat offers a dynamic program of studios, residencies, classes, and exhibitions. Creative studios support experimentation and dialogue, while shared amenities encourage collaboration.
Montsalvat continues to thrive as a registered charity, sustaining its programs and community of artists through passion, practice, and public engagement.
What's On
Join a special guided tour of Montsalvat. Starting at the rarely-accessible Old Foundry, you'll go behind-the-scenes with public artist Amanda Grant to learn more about her creation of a permanent sculpture at the entrance to Montsalvat celebrating our founding women artists.
Explore where the sculpture was developed and learn about the foundry’s history and the casting process. Amanda will share insights into the collaborative creation of the work and its architectural inspiration.
A volunteer guide will then lead visitors through Montsalvat’s heritage buildings and galleries, highlighting the history, artists, and creative legacy that make it a truly unique destination.
Visitors can explore five galleries, ten artist studios, a ceramic centre, and a café, and experience art being made as well as displayed.
Images: (1-4) Montsalvat. All photos: Lucy Rock Photography.
Important Details
Time & Date
Sunday 26 July
Artist talk + tour 11am + 2pm
Running for 120 minutes in groups of 20
Attendees are invited to explore the site before and after the tour between 10am–4pm
Meet at the Turnstile entry to the left of the Cafe entrance. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. No professional photography or drones permitted. No pets due to birdlife.
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible bathrooms, Parent's Room, Accessible parking, Assistance animals welcome, Not suitable for children
Montsalvat is a heritage-listed site located on a hillside, with pathways, staircases and buildings that reflect its unique history and setting. While this contributes to its charm, it also means that accessibility varies across the grounds. We recommend allowing extra time to navigate our sloped and gravel areas. Our staff and volunteers are always happy to provide guidance on the most accessible routes.
As Montsalvat is a heritage-listed site, some surfaces are uneven, so sensible footwear is recommended. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please contact our team before your visit so we can best support your planning.
Free accessible parking is available near the main entrance to the café and the grounds.
Montsalvat is situated on a natural slope and features a mix of gravel and paved pathways. Some areas and buildings, particularly those at the base of the property such as the Great Hall and Chapel, can only be reached via stairs. However, many parts of the grounds and several buildings—including the café, Residents Gallery, Village Square area, the Barn Gallery and Long Gallery—are accessible for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids, or prams.
Please note, that some of our doorways are narrower than standard width, and some wheelchairs may not be able to pass through comfortably, however there are some spaces with an alternative entry.
An accessible bathroom is located behind the Barn Gallery, close to the café, and seating can be found in shaded outdoor and indoor spaces across the site.
