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T: 03 9439 7712
E: montsalvat@montsalvat.com.au

7 HILLCREST AVE
ELTHAM VIC 3095

Montsalvat is Australia’s oldest continuously operating artist community. From its distinctive mudbrick cottages to its soaring, vaulted halls, it is the hand-built legacy of Justus Jorgensen and his followers. Blending art, architecture, community, and culture, Montsalvat is a celebration of creative expression, sustainable design, and meaningful connection to people and place. 

 

We warmly welcome visitors during our open hours to explore the galleries, grounds, and artist studios. Montsalvat is a privately owned creative precinct—not a public park—and we encourage visitors to relax and enjoy all that the site offers, including our on-site café and wine bar. If you’re planning a special visit, large group gathering, or would like to host an event, we invite you to connect with us to assist in making your experience truly memorable. 

Open Hours 

Wednesday – Sunday | 10AM–4PM

PUBLIC HOLIDAY HOURS
Tuesday 4th November (Cup Day) OPEN 10am-4pm

 

WISTERIA IN BLOOM

The Wisteria is still in bloom! Whilst peak bloom period is starting to pass, the purple blossoms still cover the terrace area. Entry is now included in your general admission ticket – no special access ticket required. 

Admission

Adults (18+ years) – $15 
Concessions / Child (12–18 years) – $10 
Family (2 adults & up 2 youth 12-18 yrs) – $45 
Children under 12: Free  
Companion card holders & carers: Free (with valid ID) 

 

Admission to Montsalvat includes entry to all current exhibitions. 

Montsalvat is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on revenue from onsite activities to remain sustainable. Your admission directly supports the care and preservation of our heritage site, ensuring it can continue to inspire artists, creatives, and visitors for generations to come. 

Accessibility
Montsalvat is a heritage-listed site located on a hillside, with pathways and buildings that reflect its unique history and setting. While this contributes to its charm, it also means that accessibility varies across 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.
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. Accessible parking is available near the main entrance, and we recommend allowing extra time to navigate 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 may be 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.

 

Getting Here

7 HILLCREST AVENUE ELTHAM VIC 3095 

By Car 
Free carparking available on-site. Spaces are limited and spots fill up quickly. Alternative transportation methods are encouraged. 
Please note, we have a gravel carpark.  

Public Transport 
Train (Hurstbridge line) to Eltham station and bus #582 (Eltham Town Service). Disembark at the Rockliffe St / Mt Pleasant Rd stop and walk a short distance along Hillcrest Ave to Montsalvat. 

Film & Photography

See our film and photography Guidelines

Conditions of Entry

To help us protect Montsalvat and ensure a safe, enjoyable visit for all, please observe the following: 

  • No pets. Fully trained service dogs are permitted on a leash with visible ID. 
  • No BYO alcohol. 
  • No smoking or vaping permitted. 
  • Children under 12 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times. 
  • Respect the gardens, artworks, and heritage buildings—do not climb trees or touch artworks and sculptures. 
  • Stay on designated paths and parking areas. Walk carefully—some areas are uneven, gravel or on a slope. 
  • Do not feed or chase our birdlife. 
  • No ball games, kites, frisbees, skateboards, scooters, or bicycles permitted inside the property. 
  • Take your rubbish with you or use bins provided. 
     

FAQ

What is Montsalvat?

Montsalvat is a not-for-profit organisation that is a registered charity, with an independent, voluntary Board of Directors. Montsalvat supports arts making and education; facilitate nationally significant cultural practice and production; conserve and enhance our magnificent site and unique buildings; and ensure present and future generations can draw inspiration from Montsalvat’s cultural heritage.

Do I need to pay to enter Montsalvat?

Yes. Montsalvat is a not-for-profit organisation that relies on revenue from onsite activities to remain sustainable. Your admission directly supports the care and preservation of our heritage site, ensuring it can continue to inspire artists, creatives, and visitors for generations to come. Admission to Montsalvat includes entry to all current exhibitions, the gardens and public-facing buildings such as the Great Hall unless it is privatized for a function booking.

Do I need to book my entry ticket in advance?

No, pre-bookings are not required for general admission. You can purchase your entry ticket upon arrival.

I want to visit an exhibition, do I have to pay for admission?

Yes. All exhibitions are located within the Montsalvat grounds.

I want to visit the café only, do I need to pay for admission?

No. Visitors to the café only do not need to pay the admission fee. Find out more about the café here.

Are dogs or pets allowed on the grounds?

Dogs are not permitted in the grounds due to our free roaming birdlife. Dogs are welcome to visit the cafe on a leash 🙂

Is there onsite car parking?

Yes, there is free onsite car parking with limited capacity. Our carpark is gravel. On weekends, the free car parking area can become full. We encourage planning ahead and considering alternative transport methods such as public transport, carpooling or bicycles. Please respect our neighbours and do not park your vehicle in front of their properties.

Can I take photos during my visit?

Yes, visitors to Montsalvat are welcome to document their visit with photos or videos using an iPhone or small handheld camera — no permit or booking is required for this. We kindly ask that you please adhere to the guidelines to ensure the safety of all, and so that all visitors can enjoy their experience at Montsalvat. Guidelines are available here.

What is there to do around Montsalvat?

Lots! Marvel at the sweeping landscape and architecture, visit the art galleries and artists in their studios, admire our resident geese, and bask on the lawns. You are even welcome to bring your own drawing or painting materials and create your own work of art while you visit.

Where are the peacocks?

Our peacocks are shy and roam freely on weekdays when Montsalvat may be a little quieter. On weekends, our peacocks can be found in their enclosures on the southern side of the property beyond the Cottage Studio. Be sure not to miss the enclosures in the veggie patch!

How long do I need to explore Montsalvat?

We recommend you allow at least one hour to explore, however it can be more and we encourage spending a few hours here to enjoy .

Are guided tours available?

Yes! We have fortnightly guided tours on Sundays from 11am to 12pm, led by our wonderful volunteer guides. Pre-bookings are essential. Learn more here.

How big is Montsalvat?

Montsalvat is set on 12 acres of land, encompassing dozens of heritage listed buildings and various green spaces.

When are last admissions?

Visitors can enter the grounds Wednesday – Sunday from 10am up until at 3.30pm. Although we do recommend you arrive earlier to make the most of your visit.

What time does the café close?

The café stops service at 3pm although cold drinks can be purchased up until 4pm.

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    Acknowledgement of Country

    Montsalvat acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the traditional owners of the land and waters on which our community is located. This land is imbued with a rich and deep human history stretching back thousands of years.

    The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people are the original artists, storytellers and musicians of this ancient land and we acknowledge their cultural and artistic legacy. We pay respect to their elders past and present, and recognise the rich traditions and continuing creative cultures of all First Peoples of Australia.

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    7 HILLCREST AVE
    ELTHAM VIC 3095

    T: +03 9439 7712

    E: montsalvat@montsalvat.com.au

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    Opening hours

    Monday
    Closed
    Tuesday
    Closed
    Wednesday
    10AM–4PM
    Thursday
    10AM–4PM
    Friday
    10AM–4PM
    Saturday
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    Emma Rose

    Emma is heavily inspired by the natural world in material and form. She collects her own clay and utilises natural found materials in both her clay bodies and glaze.

    Emma has a Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics from RMIT and has practiced and trained in Japan, Indonesia and Taiwan under various teachers. She is passionate about woodfiring, learning traditional techniques and practicing throwing as a meditative task.

    Madelyn Mckenzie

    Madelyn McKenzie is a Ceramic Artist who specialises in sculpture. Madelyn’s sculptures are inspired by Victorian architecture and wrought iron fences as well as life experiences delving into childhood and escapism. Madelyn is a teacher at Montsalvat and is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts at RMIT majoring in Ceramics. She loves teaching children and helping students expand on their sculpting skills and ideas.

    Siena Hyland

    Growing up in Nillumbik has offered Siena a world of inspiration for working with clay. First practicing in the studio of Judy Trembath as a child, Siena has been at Montsalvat for over four years, as a student and junior tutor.

     Siena’s work is inspired by the interplay of earth and fire in the landscape and potter’s craft. Currently studying integrative psychotherapy, Siena finds joy in sharing the immersive experience of clay.

    Keiko Matsui

    Keiko has over 20 years’ experience working in ceramics, initially moving to Australia in 1999 from Japan and completing a Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) degree in 2006 at the National Art School in Sydney.

    She has been teaching ceramics for adults and children in Sydney since 2007, including a porcelain technique courses at Hornsby TAFE, NSW. Keiko’s way of teaching is student focused; she observes each student’s needs and teaches them individually with her Osakan sense of humour and smile.

    Keiko is also a studio artist at Montsalvat and you can find some of her beautiful work in the Montsalvat Shop.

    Mary-Lou Pittard

    Mary-lou has worked in her Eltham Studio as a professional potter for over 35 years.  She is a well known local identity through her community involvement, as an artist in residence with local schools, working with the Nillumbik Shire on large scale ceramic murals and smaller class room projects.

    Mary-lou produces brightly coloured stoneware ceramics in her studio/gallery established at her home. Her work can also be admired & purchased at the Montsalvat Shop.

    Mary-lou aims to create an energizing and creative haven for you at Clay Talk, where you can explore and develop your hand-building skills.

    Tracey Hollis

    Tracey Hollis majored in ceramics in the 1990s whilst studying fine arts at James Cook University and QUT in Queensland.

    Tracey has been teaching pottery in Eltham and Box Hill for the past 7 years at Community Arts Centre’s as well as through her own studio and loves the functionality of wheel thrown and hand built pottery. She enjoys seeing the positive benefits that working with clay provides and loves helping others learn and express their creativity through pottery.

    Tracey appreciates the importance of the creators hand marks on pottery and takes inspiration from Asian and European influences as well as noted Australian potters such as Owen Rye and John Dermer.

    Yuso Lee

    Yuso has taught all levels and ages how to throw and hand build over her 20+ year career.  Yuso is originally from Korea.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Ceramics in Korea and a Diploma of Ceramics from Holmesglen College of TAFE in Melbourne.  She has lived and taught in Australia since 2005.

    Yuso gets inspiration for her ceramic arts from inner emotions and the environment she lives in. She works the clay into ceramic pieces that reflect her inner feelings. Other part of her ceramic art is the building series. These represent her urban surroundings. Yuso reflects Melbourne city views at dusk in the form of ceramic pieces.

    Sergei Shatrov

    Sergei began his life with ceramics at Cooma TAFE NSW in 1993 before moving onto the Australian National University’s Canberra School of Arts under Janet De Boos, Anita Macintyre, Hiroe Swen and Greg Daly in 2003. Since then he has studied and worked in ceramic workshops and studios in Seto Japan, Minnesota, Northern California and North Carolina.

    Sergei’s aesthetic and influences also come from various Asian traditions and philosophies. With many a story to tell in his adventures of clay, Sergei is a passionate advocate for discovering the self through the beauty and function of form at all skill levels.

    Jessie Pittard

    Jessie Pittard is a passionate printmaker and ceramicist. Growing up with both parents involved with ceramics, she has spent her life immersed in clay. Her studies and technical training as a printmaker at RMIT have influenced her approach.  Within her practice Jessie enjoys exploration and experimentation of form, design and process in both her functional ware as well as her sculptural works.

    Jessie has been running her ceramic business from her studio in Eltham. You can find some of Jessie’s functional ceramics at the Montsalvat shop.

    Josephine Cassar

    Josephine is a local and long time ceramic artist of Eltham with a great gift in making and understanding functional ceramic ware. Of European extraction and with decades of experience, Josephine’s skill in understanding how to make functional ware and using the right glazes is second to none. Well respected locally, Josephine is an excellent teacher ceramics teacher and someone you will thoroughly enjoy as a beginner or more experienced pottery/ceramic maker.

    Sasha “Tatts” Tattam

    Tatts, an artist with a strong background and expertise in mosaic sculpture, has embarked on an artistic journey enriched by a deep understanding of biophysical and chemical materialism philosophies. Through her dedication, she has discovered a captivating passion for working with clay, exploring the intricate realms of glaze chemistry and pushing the boundaries of experimental kiln practices.

    Currently in her final year pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Ceramics at RMIT, Tatts goes above and beyond by curating and producing captivating art exhibitions. Her commitment extends to fostering a sense of community through her involvement with local art collectives in the vibrant north inner city of Melbourne.

    Rob Matheson

    From an early age I have felt driven to express myself through visual art. This, together with a passion for nature in its many and varied forms especially gems and minerals, have always offered great inspiration for my work, which entails both painting and sculpture. An artistic temperament coupled with a strong scientific interest and a sense of wonder for the way the world is ordered has led me to experiment with a range of media including both two and three dimensions.

    Over a number of years I have been involved in various community arts projects and school residencies. I have been an artist in residence for a number of years at Beaconhills College in Pakenham. I have completed an artist in residence at Scotch College at Hawthorn involving the students to produce two ceramic totem poles depicting Australian nocturnal birds and animals. Prior to this I was also an artist in residence at Yarra Valley Grammar involving the Year 9 students.

    I see my art as a vehicle for life long learning, and as a means of sharing the knowledge through teaching. I gain an immense sense of satisfaction in being able to help and encourage others through art. In summary, I consider my art as a journey of discovery with no perceptible end. A process of continual development and exchange of ideas and as a way of making a positive contribution to the human condition.