A major new cultural precinct is on the way to Melbourne’s inner south, with the Jewish Arts Quarter set to reshape a pocket of Elsternwick into a dedicated space for arts, history and community connection.
Planned as a seven-storey development with two basement levels, the project will bring together performance, exhibition and public spaces under one roof. Once complete, the precinct will house the Jewish Museum of Australia alongside a performing arts theatre, galleries, co-working areas, retail spaces and cafes.
The site, located on Selwyn Street, will sit at the centre of a broader cultural strip that already includes the Melbourne Holocaust Museum and Classic Cinemas. Together, the area is steadily forming a cluster of venues focused on storytelling, film and cultural exchange.
Plans for the precinct were first released in 2020, and the project has now secured additional backing, including a recent $2 million funding boost from the Victorian government. In total, the development has received $7 million in state funding, alongside a $18 million commitment from the federal government.
Preparation works are already underway, with demolition set to clear the way for construction. As part of the redevelopment, several significant artworks by sculptor Karl Duldig will be preserved and incorporated into the new building, including stained glass windows, sculptural elements and the Kadimah emblem.
The aim is to create a space that supports both contemporary and traditional Jewish expression while opening up opportunities for broader community engagement.
More information is here.
