Encounter Years of Heritage
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre, Melbourne
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre in East Melbourne, Victoria provides education and hospitality for all to experience and be challenged by the dynamism of Saint Mary MacKillop’s life and work.
Overview
Formerly known as Mary MacKillop Heritage Centre, we offer a place of inspiration and vitality that manifests and promotes the creative spirit and charism of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joseph.
Features
Accommodation
Mary MacKillop Museum
Mary MacKillop Chapel
Contemplative Area
Meeting rooms
Pilgrimages
Address
362 Albert Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Monday to Friday:
9:00am—4:30pm
Saturday to Sunday:
Closed
Retreats and
Reflection Days
Find your place to retreat, relax and connect.
Bold Hearts, Creative Hands
This Reflection Day will be a day of exploration of Mary MacKillop’s letters following different themes and engage with how…$180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST
A Spirituality for the Second Half of Life
As we enter the second half of life, priorities shift from achievement and security to meaning, purpose, and service. How…$180 excl. GST | $198 incl. GST
Cancellations made within 14 days of the event are non-refundable.
Pilgrims of Hope
In this Year of Jubilee, this pilgrimage includes visits to sacred sites associated with Mary MacKillop’s story, inviting participants to…$1,300 excl. GST | $1,430 incl. GST
Accommodation
Find affordable accommodation in the bustling hub of East Melbourne with 10 fully furnished, self-contained apartments and free on-site parking. Conveniently located across from the magnificent Fitzroy Gardens and in close distance to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Australian Catholic University, Parliament Station and the CBD’s cafes, restaurants, theatres and more, it’s ideal for a weekend stay, retreat or longer trip.
Features
- Wi-Fi access.
- Sitting area.
- Dining area.
- Air conditioning.
- Hydronic heating.
- LCD TV.
- DVD player.
- In-room phone.
- Fully equipped kitchenette.
- Hair dryer.
- Iron and ironing board.
- Laundry facilities.
- Blackout blinds.
- Wheelchair accessibility.
- Smoke-free environment.
- On site parking.
- Tea, coffee, milk and linen supplied.
Rooms
2 Beds
3 People
Conference and
Meeting Facilities
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre offers beautifully restored meeting rooms and a Contemplative Area for hire. Rooms can be arranged in a theatre, boardroom, classroom or U style. Breakout spaces are also available for professional development, staff and board member formation and spiritual reflection days.
Facilities
- Large Meeting Room for up to 35 people.
- Small Meeting Room for up to 10 people.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Reverse cycle air conditioning.
- Room set up.
- Audio-visual facilities.
- White board and markers.
- Flip chart.
FAQs
Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre is a five-minute walk from the Victoria Parade and Lansdowne Street tram stops (Routes 109 and 12) or a 10-minute walk from Parliament Station.
Limited car parking is available on site when visiting the Centre. Prior arrangements must be made by phoning: (03) 9926 9300.
Group tours can be arranged Monday to Friday, between 10am and 4pm.
Chapel
Mary MacKillop Chapel Melbourne
Chapel
Our beautiful chapel in which Mary MacKillop prayed provides a peaceful, inspirational atmosphere where people can withdraw from the rush of the city to spend time in quiet reflection and prayer. Mass is celebrated whenever a priest is available.
You are welcome to write prayer requests in the folder provided. Each week pages containing prayer requests are sent to North Sydney and placed near the grave of Saint Mary MacKillop in the Mary MacKillop Memorial Chapel.
Hours
| Monday | 10am – 4pm |
| Tuesday | 10am – 4pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 4pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 4pm |
| Friday | 10am – 4pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Museum
Mary MacKillop Museum Melbourne
Address
362 Albert Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002
Accessibility
With ramps and fully compliant toilet facilities, we welcome and care for visitors of all abilities.
Opening times
| Monday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Friday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Museum
Mary MacKillop Museum was established in 2007 by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. It tells Mary’s story with particular emphasis on her work in Victoria, providing opportunities for all to experience and be challenged by her exemplary life, words and contribution to the Josephite heritage.
Permanent Exhibitions
The Mary MacKillop Museum comprises an orientation room and four consecutive gallery spaces. Mary’s story is told through a curated collection of relics, artefacts, books, textiles, artwork and audio-visual displays.
The Temporary Gallery
This gallery changes on a regular basis, three to four times per year. Displays mounted in the focus on specific topics related to Mary MacKillop and groups and associations involved with the charism, spirit and work of the sisters.
Current Exhibition
Mary MacKillop: The Traveller
This new exhibition curated by Sofie Denis celebrates Mary MacKillop’s travels both at home and abroad, showcasing the museum’s collection of travel-related objects.
Online Exhibitions
Mary of the Cross
Mary’s Portland
Julian Tenison Woods
Audio Tour
Entry Fees
| Adult | $10 |
| Concession | $7* |
| Carer | Free |
*Concession admissions are available to holders of any of the following valid cards:
- Student Card.
- Health Care Card.
- Australian Seniors Card.
- Pension Card.
- Veteran Card.
| 6–18 years | $7 |
| Under 6 years | Free |
| Guided tour group (advanced booking required) | $20 per visitor |
| Self-guided tour group (advanced booking required) | $10 per visitor |
| Guided school group | $20 per student |
| Self-guided school group (advanced booking required) | $7 per student (teacher must supervise) |
| Family: 2 adults, 3 children (under 6 years) | $20 |
| Family: additional children (6–18 years) | $7 per additional child |
| Family: additional children (under 6 years) | Free |
Pilgrimages
Going on a pilgrimage is an ancient spiritual tradition that belongs to all great faiths. For Christians, centres throughout the world are recognised as places of pilgrimage. These places beckon people to connect with the atmosphere and spiritual realities that belong to their origins. However, it is not only the site that takes people deep into the heart of their faith, but the journey itself — setting out to capture the spirit of the place and tradition.
Experiences
Going on a pilgrimage is an ancient spiritual tradition that belongs to all great faiths. For Christians, centres throughout the world are recognised as places of pilgrimage. These places beckon people to connect with the atmosphere and spiritual realities that belong to their origins. However, it is not only the site that takes people deep into the heart of their faith, but the journey itself — setting out to capture the spirit of the place and tradition.
Planning your Visit
Our experienced team is here to support you in planning your pilgrimage. Call us to discuss intentions and suggestions: (03) 9926 9300
Accessibility
With ramps and fully compliant toilet facilities, we welcome visitors of all abilities.
Education
Educational programs are available for primary and secondary students, as well as special groups. We offer schools an introductory talk on Mary MacKillop, a guided small group tour of the museum and follow up activities appropriate to each group. Students also see the chapel where Mary prayed and the Temporary Gallery.
First Communion and Confirmation Reflection days are also available, during which students use appropriate resources and where possible, participate in a prayer or liturgical celebration in the Mary MacKillop Chapel. Groups returning to the museum are offered a range of activities, learning about Mary MacKillop’s life and work.
Packages
| Student group (Includes presenter, interactive workshop, museum entry and tour and conference room) |
$20 per student |
| Staff faith formation programs | Depends on group size |
| Online accredited programs | $30 per person |
| Colloquium (day participant, accommodation not included) | $350 per person |
| Colloquium (with one-night accommodation) | $500 per person |
Educational programs are available for primary and secondary students, as well as special groups. We offer schools an introductory talk on Mary MacKillop, a guided small group tour of the museum and follow up activities appropriate to each group. Students also see the chapel where Mary prayed and the Temporary Gallery.
First Communion and Confirmation Reflection days are also available, during which students use appropriate resources and where possible, participate in a prayer or liturgical celebration in the Mary MacKillop Chapel. Groups returning to the museum are offered a range of activities, learning about Mary MacKillop’s life and work.
| Student group (Includes presenter, interactive workshop, museum entry and tour and conference room) |
$20 per student |
| Staff faith formation programs | Depends on group size |
| Online accredited programs | $30 per person |
| Colloquium (day participant, accommodation not included) | $350 per person |
| Colloquium (with one-night accommodation) | $500 per person |
Planning Your Visit
Our experienced educators are here to support you in planning a tailor-made excursion. Call us to discuss learning intentions and suggestions for engaging activities that meet Australian Curriculum requirements on (03) 9926 9300 or email .
Visit Times
| Primary school students | 1.5 hours |
| High school students | 1.5 hours |
| Other | Customisable on request |
Facilities
While food and drink are not permitted in the museum, students and teachers are welcome to enjoy recess or lunch in other areas of the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Centre. Arrangements can be made when booking.
Accessibility
With ramps and fully compliant toilet facilities, we welcome visitors of all abilities.
Attractions
Discover local treasures.
Contemplative Area
This area provides a quiet space for pilgrims and visitors to sit, read, reflect and view the gardens. It features a glass wall where the names of the first 114 pioneer Victorian Sisters of Saint Joseph are listed.
Opening times may be restricted occasionally depending on the events and activities taking place at the Centre.
| Monday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Friday | 10am – 4:30pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Gift Shop
Our gift shop stocks a range of quality gifts, books, candles, cards, CDs and religious items. Souvenirs help to recall the museum experience and focus on Mary MacKillop’s devotion. Gift shop and accommodation vouchers are available for purchase.
Mary MacKillop Walking Tour
Mary MacKillop was a child of Melbourne, formed by the city in the gold rush era. Visit the important historic sites of Mary’s Melbourne on a walking tour that commences at and returns to the Mary MacKillop Spirituality Ministry. Take a walk down the streets and see Melbourne as Mary did by letting Mary’s story become part of your own.
A guided walking tour departs from the Centre on special weekend open days at 11:00am. A virtual tour also takes place on weekend open days for those unable to participate in a physical tour.