Montsalvat

Montsalvat is Australia's oldest artists' colony located in Eltham, within the Shire of Nillumbik, Victoria. Established in 1934 by artist and architect Justus Jorgensen, it comprises hand-built mud-brick and stone buildings including the Great Hall, Chapel and Barn Gallery set among landscaped gardens. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, it operates as an arts centre with galleries, studios, exhibitions and events.

Visitors can explore a cluster of historic mud-brick and stone buildings including the Great Hall, Chapel, Barn Gallery and former studios set in landscaped gardens with lawns, courtyards and ponds. Interiors display artworks, exhibitions and heritage architecture. Grounds feature peacocks, sculptures and garden walks. Visitors can view galleries, attend exhibitions and workshops, dine at the café/restaurant and explore at their own pace or on guided tours.

Founded in 1934 by artist Justus Jorgensen with students and craftspeople including Gordon Ford and Matcham Skipper, Montsalvat was built over several decades using mud-brick, pisé and reclaimed materials inspired by European medieval architecture. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register as Australia's oldest continuously active artists' colony and represents an important example of owner-built and arts-and-crafts architecture in Victoria.

Montsalvat is a significant cultural centre for visual arts, music, performance and crafts in Victoria. It has served as a home and workplace for generations of artists, hosts exhibitions, concerts, festivals, weddings and community events, and continues as an active arts community and education venue preserving traditional building and artistic practices.