Abbotsford Convent

A living place for curiosity and collaboration, meeting and meaning. The heart of a creative community. All are welcome. Just four kilometres from Melbourne's CBD and spread over 16 acres, Abbotsford Convent is Australia's largest multi-arts precinct--a place of art, culture and learning. Renowned for its rich history, its striking built and natural landscapes, and the remarkable community-led campaign to preserve it from commercial development, the site was enshrined on Australia's National Heritage List in 2017. Today, this nationally and internationally unique precinct is managed by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation, a not-for-profit, social enterprise. The Convent is home to a vibrant creative community, wellbeing practitioners, a gallery, cafes, a radio station, two schools, and an abundance of green open space. We are passionate about working collaboratively with artists and partnering with arts and cultural organisations to present contemporary, thought-provoking and enriching experiences for all to enjoy. And every year we curate and also welcome over 2,000 art projects, rehearsals, workshops, exhibitions, private and corporate events, markets and festivals. At the Convent we celebrate creativity, inclusivity, wellbeing and community enrichment--both onsite and online. We look forward to welcoming you to our special place!

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Events at Abbotsford Convent

  • Wheelchair Accessible

    Abbotsford Convent is wheelchair accessible.

    There is step-free access to the Community Room, the Yellow Room, Mural Hall and the Industrial School. Wheelchair users enter at the main entrance, though one venue (Yellow Room) has both stairs and courtyard ramp access - ask a FOH staff member for directions if needed. There are uneven footpaths throughout the grounds. There are 2 two-hour accessible on-street parking spaces located on St Heliers Street, beside Gate One. There are six accessible parking places are located at the front of the car park on the northern side of St Heliers Street. There is also a car park located within a short distance of Gate One. The entrance is near a dedicated pedestrian thoroughfare and road cross-over. There are accessible toilets at this venue, though not all toilet doors are automated.

  • Accessible Bathroom

    This venue has toilets which are accessible for wheelchair users.

  • Accessible Parking

    This venue has a car park with spaces reserved for people with disability.

  • Assistance Dogs allowed

    Assistance dogs are allowed into all parts of this venue.

1-3 St Heliers St

Abbotsford VIC 3067

Get directions
  • Bus Route

    200 or 207

  • Nearest Train Station

    Abbotsford

  • Parking

    Directions: The Abbotsford Convent is located at the end of St Heliers Street, Abbotsford. The easiest way to get there is to go via Johnston Street, turn onto Clarke Street (left if going towards city, right if heading away from city), then turn left onto St Heliers Street. MELWAYS: Ref 44 G5 Parking: No vehicles are permitted onsite. All day parking is available in the car park directly across from the Convent on St Heliers Street. The machines accept credit cards, notes and gold coins. Funds from the car park go towards the restoration and overall running of the Convent. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding area.