Montsalvat, founded by Justus Jörgensen, is Australia’s oldest artists’ colony and is home to practising artists. It remains to this day a working not-for-profit arts centre administered by a board. Set in 12 acres of established gardens, the historic buildings include charming mud brick cottages and the impressive Great Hall which hosts a variety of concerts, exhibitions and functions.
A range of spaces are available to hire for artistic endeavours, weddings, business conferences and photography shoots. The Meeting Pool Restaurant is also an integral part of Montsalvat and to see more details click here.
Governance
The Board of Directors of Montsalvat Limited is comprised of nine people who are highly experienced in the arts and governance.
A Brief History
Justus Jörgensen, as a student of Max Meldrum, had spent many happy hours painting in Eltham. In 1935 Jörgensen purchased land and with his friends commenced the buildings that became Montsalvat. The first buildings were two small ‘French Provincial’ style cottages where they could stay at weekends. By 1938 work had started on the Great Hall. This mainly stone building includes two galleries, a studio and a large dining hall.
Jörgensen had the ability to make use of whatever material was at hand. The earth and stone from the excavations formed the walls with other materials sourced from wreckers’ and builders’ yards across Melbourne.
With the outbreak of World War Two, the collective energies at Montsalvat were redirected and Montsalvat became largely self-sufficient, with a market garden, poultry farm and small dairy. Several more buildings were hastily built for the ‘farm’ – the dairy, barn, stables, silos and storehouses belong to this period.
Many of these buildings have now been extended and/or converted into studios and workshops and are being offered for use through our Artist In Residence Program.
Location
7 Hillcrest Ave
Eltham VIC 3095
Contact
- Phone: 03 9439 7712
- Fax: 03 9431 4177
- Email: functions@montsalvat.com.au
