1. A group of children and parents hanging out at Abbotsford Convent.
    Photograph: Casey Horsfield
  2. A family on the grounds of Abbotsford Convent.
    Photograph: Casey Horsfield
  3. exterior of Abbotsford Convent
    Photograph: Abbotsford Convent/Supplied

The Abbotsford Convent

There are many reasons to visit Abbotsford Convent, but just a sit down in the gardens on a nice day is enough
  • Museums
  • Abbotsford
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Time Out says

Abbotsford Convent is hard to describe in just a few words. It’s an arts and culture precinct that brings together artist studios, writers, musicians, therapists, community organisations, local fashion labels, improv groups, a Steiner school, a community radio station and more. 

Collaboration and learning are key values at the precinct, which plays host to changing workshops on topics ranging from grief to gardening. This is alongside exhibitions, talks, book launches, performances and a farmers market every Saturday. While Lentil As Anything closed up in 2022, the convent is home to the popular hospitality venues Cam’s Kiosk, Convent Bakery and Kappaya.

The stable force that unites this large community is the breathtaking Abbotsford Convent grounds. Once under threat of demolition, the buildings and gardens were saved with a Heritage listing that recognised its rich history as a convent founded by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1863. This subsequently operated for over 100 years and thousands of girls and women were placed in care at the convent.

Details

Address
Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers St
Abbotsford
Melbourne
3067
Transport:
Nearby stations: Victoria Park
Opening hours:
Sun & Mon 7.30am-9.30pm; Tue-Sat 7.30am-10.30pm

What’s on

National Trust’s Vintage Clothing Sale

Calling all fashionistas! On March 21 and 22, the National Trust's beloved annual vintage sale is returning to the Abbotsford Convent. This year, the sale will be taking place at the massive Magdalen Laundry. You'll be able to peruse a huge selection of vintage and pre-loved designer clothing and accessories – in the past, brands like Armani, Alexander McQueen, Diane von Fürstenberg and Marimekko have been up for grabs. A lot of household linen, furnishings, dress fabrics, shoes, bags, jewellery and even haberdashery will also be on offer. New stock will be released on the Sunday morning (perfect if you’re planning a second visit) and from 3-5pm that afternoon you will also be able to take 50 per cent off all remaining items. Plus, if you're a member, you can score early access from 9-10am each day – you can join up here when allocations open in early March. Bring a gold coin donation for entry and prepare to refresh your wardrobe with fun new designer finds for a fraction of the price. Best of all, proceeds from the sale support the work of the National Trust in conserving our state's cultural and built heritage. Donations are also accepted in the lead-up to the event, so if you have some quality items you'd like to offload in the name of a good cause, now's your chance. For more information on donating and the event, visit the website here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox. Want more...
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