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All Australia Abbotsford Abbotsford Convent

Abbotsford Convent

This 19th-century convent is now a flourishing 21st-century hub for art.

Abbotsford, Australia

Added By
Adra Johnson
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Abbotsford Convent.   Michael Coghlan/cc by-sa 2.0
Abbotsford Convent.   Michael Coghlan/cc by-sa 2.0
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Abbotsford Convent.   adrajohnson / Atlas Obscura User
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Abbotsford Convent.   adrajohnson / Atlas Obscura User
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About

For over a hundred years, Abbotsford Convent housed Melbourne's less fortunate women and children. Today, it sprawls across nearly 17 acres of land, looking like an image from the pages of a historical book.

But spend some time exploring the convent, and you'll notice it now has a modern air. The buildings may make feel like you've stepped back in time, though they now house 21st-century attractions.

Art thrives within the century-old structures. You'll encounter anything from a monthly farmer's marker to the broadcasting of a city-wide classical radio station to the pay-as-you-feel cafe to the mural of inspiring sentiments spread across washroom walls. It's as if Abbotsford Convent is a love child between two different worlds, both with the same mantra—be kind to others, and embrace the world around you. 

Related Tags

Art Christianity Catholic Community Center

Know Before You Go

The convent is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. No vehicles are permitted on the site, but there is a pay-to-park carpark across the street.

Community Contributors

Added By

adrajohnson

Edited By

grtravel, Kerry Wolfe, fransiskawuri

  • grtravel
  • Kerry Wolfe
  • fransiskawuri

Published

August 16, 2019

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Abbotsford Convent
1 St Heliers St
Abbotsford, 3067
Australia
-37.803061, 145.00479
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Photo of Abbotsford

Abbotsford

Australia

Places 2

Nearby Places

Villa Alba Museum

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miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Abbotsford

Abbotsford

Australia

Places 2

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