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.