Australia
Montsalvat is an eclectic collection of European-style buildings set in bushland in Eltham (a suburb of Melbourne).
Built in the '30s by Justus Jorgensen, it was a retreat for artists and sculptors. These days it's a nice place to visit on a quiet Sunday afternoon to view the various art exhibitions and sculptures (or in my case a celebration of a wedding in the Great Hall).
7 Hillcrest Ave. Eltham Victoria 3095
Phone: (03) 9439 7712
Fax: (03) 9431 4177
www.montsalvat.com.au/
Fifteen minutes outside Melbourne is the former home of John and Sunday Reed, now open to the public. From the 1930s onwards their home, once an old dairy farm, was a centre of the Australian modernist movement. The couple were passionate supporters and patrons of the leading Australian artists of the day. Sidney Nolan painted his famous Ned Kelly series in their dining room.
7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen 3105; www.heide.com.au;
For more news on the gallery's redevelopment, see www.theage.com.au/news/arts/new-heides-bigger-picture/2006/07/10/1152383621295.html
The Monash Gallery of Art is a public gallery run by the local council. Its aim is to push the visual arts and I think it succeeds in that. Predominantly showing Australian photography, the collections and the special exhibitions are worth a visit.
860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill;
tel: 9562 1569
www.mga.org.au
Great galleries - collection and space, constantly rotating exhibitions and interesting permanent collections.
Split over two sites - both fantastic spaces.
NGV International: 180 St Kilda Road; www.ngv.vic.gov.au/
NGV Australia: Federation Square (opposite Flinders Street Station)
www.ngv.vic.gov.au/ngvaustralia/
Well worth a walk as it encompasses some of the the best vistas onto Port Phillip Bay and some good beaches. Set up to educate users on local artists and why/where they painted what they did - includes Tom Roberts and Arthur Streeton. If you have time, have a coffee at the Rickett's Point cafe overlooking the beach...
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
Search Been there
Your tips about Melbourne