Montsalvat — Attraction in Melbourne

I cannot recommend Montsalvat as a place for any serious artist to exhibit their artwork. Avoid it like the plague! My experience as an exhibiting artist was truly terrible. From the get-go the art staff was unprofessional, lacking experience and knowledge about the processes necessary to guide artists in an unfamiliar space, & safeguard artwork from damage. Montsalvat has the worst, take it or leave it contract for artists to sign that 100% discriminates against the artists rights to claim damages when Montsalvat hire out the same exhibition space to wedding parties. Said wedding parties are then allowed to treat your artwork as they see fit. I had 3 sculptures badly damaged when Montsalvat failed to hold up their end of the contract & employ a gallery attendant to monitor the artwork. I did a surprise visit to the gallery with the curator when a wedding party was in attendance & witnessed a large crowd around one my paper sculptures which was hanging from the rafter being pushed/ knocked around. The curator asked one man to stand aside who then returned to push it around. This artwork also sustained what I call spit & drink damage. Another piece was ripped down from the rafter & pulled apart into 3 sections, while another had an edge pushed in ruining the base. This was a prime example of the zero level of respect Montsalvat showed towards my artwork & practice. Of course I did complain & all I got was we are so sorry.

After the exhibition ended, I received the loveliest go away, get lost email from the curator explaining they are blame free from the damage done. Of course, I continued to complain to the new GM who did offer a meeting where we discussed all 3 damaged pieces and how much compensation I expected because of their lack of professional behaviour, experience and their breach of contract that led to the damage. After several weeks the GM finally emailed me after 2 prompts to inform me that she has deposited a small fraction of the monetary compensation expected into my account to cover the damages done to the artwork. This is an insulting way to resolve an issue they caused by breaching the contract by placing priority on the exhibition space for wedding events over the contract I had first. I am seriously out of pocket because of their DONT CARE attitude & negligence!

There is so much more to this sorry story, and this has been the worst, most unpleasant experience in my 17 years of practicing and exhibiting artwork. Be warned, DO NOT exhibit at Montsalvat, go somewhere else where you & your artwork will be respected & it wont get damaged by large drinking parties. My experience has been Montsalvat does not look after artists interests, they look after theirs & the wedding parties & as a result Montsalvat certainly does NOT deserve its reputation! If anyone is interested in more...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Montsalvat, and I must say, it's a truly breathtaking destination. This historic artists' colony is nestled in the heart of Eltham, Victoria, and it's an absolute gem for photography, weddings, and special events.

Photoshoot Paradise

The moment I stepped foot on the property, I knew it was going to be a photographer's dream come true. The rustic charm, the lush gardens, the picturesque buildings... every corner of Montsalvat is a photographer's delight. The soft, golden light filtering through the trees, the vibrant colors of the gardens, and the unique textures of the buildings all combine to create a visual feast.

Wedding and Function Venue

Montsalvat is also an ideal location for weddings and special events. The property offers several beautiful ceremony and reception spaces, each with its own unique character. The gardens are perfectly manicured, and the buildings are steeped in history and charm. The staff is friendly, attentive, and accommodating, making sure every detail is taken care of.

Price

The prices at Montsalvat vary depending on the type of event, the number of guests, and the services required.

Here are the normal visit fees for Montsalvat:

Adults: $14.00 Concessions: $10.00 Children under 5: free entry Children aged 5-12: $8.00 Families: $35.00 (2 adults & up to 3 children under 13)

Overall Experience

My experience at Montsalvat was nothing short of exceptional. The staff was friendly and helpful, the grounds were immaculately maintained, and the atmosphere was truly magical. Whether you're a photographer, a couple looking for a unique wedding venue, or simply someone who appreciates beauty and history, Montsalvat is a must-visit destination.

Highly...

Montsalvat feels like you have wandered into a pocket of medieval France that somehow sprouted among the gums of Eltham. Gravel crunches underfoot as you enter, and suddenly you are standing before stone halls topped with copper spires, their reflections wavering in a lily‑covered pond that peacocks patrol like colourful sentries. Inside the Great Hall sunlight slants through tall leadlight windows onto timber beams and rough‑hewn walls, the perfect backdrop for paintings that shift with each exhibition season. Smaller galleries cluster around cobbled courtyards where resident sculptors and jewellers work with doors flung open, happy to discuss a new glaze or the challenge of casting bronze on a cool morning.

The grounds invite slow wandering. Vine‑draped archways lead to orchards, secret gardens and an old barn that now hosts intimate concerts. If you time it right you might catch a classical trio rehearsing or an open‑air life‑drawing class under the oaks. The on‑site café serves decent coffee, local wine and plates of antipasto generous enough to share; snag a table on the stone terrace and magpies provide the soundtrack. Practicalities are simple: parking is free but limited, so arrive early on weekends, and the gentle slopes and gravel paths suit most prams though a few doorways have heritage‑sized steps. Entry fees support the artists and feel fair given the freedom to roam all day. Whether you come for a quiet gallery stroll, a wedding photoshoot or just an afternoon sketching beside the pond, Montsalvat offers an escape that feels both timeless and...