Large creative event space
Truss rigging
Backstage area
Main hall: 24m x 12.9m (307.8m²)
Boiler Room: 13.4m x 9.4m (127.1m²)
Total space: 434.9m²
Large creative event space
Truss rigging
Backstage area
Main hall: 24m x 12.9m (307.8m²)
Boiler Room: 13.4m x 9.4m (127.1m²)
Total space: 434.9m²
Abbotsford Convent’s Magdalen Laundry is a large, self-contained venue featuring a vaulted ceiling and clerestory windows. This versatile space can creatively configure to suit a wide range of large events, including exhibitions, conferences, and performances. The adjoining Boiler Room can be used as a backstage area or opened to create a larger working space. The Mezzanine offers an additional green room, meeting room or creative space and is available separately for hire.
During the 1920s, the Convent’s Magdalen Laundry was the largest commercial laundry in Melbourne. For close to a century, many residents of the Convent worked here, unpaid. In 2017, The Convent was inscribed on the National Heritage List, recognised as an important physical record for the Australians and their families known as the Forgotten Australians.
Abbotsford Convent is owned and operated by the Abbotsford Convent Foundation (ACF) and is not affiliated with Good Shepherd or any other religious organisation. The ACF highly recommends that all hirers learn more about the Convent’s history and consider joining a guided or self-guided social history tour.
Today, the Magdalen Laundry is among the few surviving, relatively intact, examples of its kind anywhere in the world. Like the rest of the Convent, the Magdalen Laundry is a sensitive, heritage-listed venue. There are some inherent heritage requirements and limitations of use, which are incorporated into our Conditions of Hire. These are to protect the space for future generations.
Magdalen Laundry has numerous power outlets, truss rigging, and 3-phase power available. The venue is equipped with a ceiling speaker system, a projector and projector screen, house lights and a dimmer rack. Additional basic AV equipment is available to hirers. Our preferred AV provider, Melbourne AV, is available to assist with further AV requirements. Additional facilities including tables, chairs, whiteboards, heaters and fans are available for hire.
The Magdalen Laundry is wheelchair accessible. Gender diversity is welcome at the Convent, and patrons are welcome to use any restroom that matches their gender identity or expression. There are gender-neutral toilets available within the Magdalen Laundry itself and gendered toilets available in other locations within the Convent precinct. View the Public Toilet Map to find a bathroom of your preference.
Abbotsford Convent’s varied indoor and outdoor spaces are perfect for inspiration, creativity and collaboration.
To hire a space, simply book online.
By hiring a space at the Convent you are supporting the long-term sustainability of our not-for-profit arts, cultural and learning precinct for everyone to enjoy.
![Magdalen Laundry [video tour], 2021. Abbotsford Convent. Click image to watch.](https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/assets.abbotsfordconvent.com.au/app/uploads/2020/02/28154548/Venue_NthLaundry_cAnneMoffat_slide-2-1-1280x853.jpg)