Arts, history and culture in Elsternwick

Elsternwick has a rich history dating back to it’s origins in the mid 1800s, and offers a variety of historic, cultural and artistic attractions.

Discover them below.

Rippon Lea Estate

Spend the afternoon at nearby Rippon Lea Estate, a Romanesque mansion surrounded by a 14 acre picturesque garden.

The estate has been under the care of the National Trust of Australia since 1972, and has an intriguing and culturally significant history.

Rippon Lea Estate hosts a number of events throughout the year, including the annual Teddy Bear’s Picnic and various music events.

Elsternwick Library

Located close to Glen Huntly Road’s shopping precinct, Elsternwick Library offers books, magazine, DVDs and CDs to borrow, in addition to study spaces, free Internet access, a large open children’s library and a relaxed lounge for reading.

Explore a world of history, art and culture at Elsternwick Library.

Find the library at 4 Staniland Grove, Elsternwick.

Classic Cinemas

Watch a film at the historic Classic Cinemas in Elsternwick, which was first established as a picture theatre in 1911 and is the longest continuously operating cinema in Victoria.

The cinema shows a range of arthouse and blockbuster films, and hosts the Jewish International Film Festival in October/November each year.

Jewish Holocaust Centre

A visit to the Jewish Holocaust Centre is a must. The centre offers a sombre and moving memorial, museum and educational facility dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews murdered under the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945.

The centre’s mission is to remember those who were lost, to combat racism and educate and foster understanding between people.

Learn more about the history of the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick here, or visit the JHC website.

Historic buildings in Elsternwick

Elsternwick is home to historic buildings, giving the area a rich cultural identity.

The former Elsternwick Post Office and Caulfield City Rifle Club buildings retain their traditional look and feel while housing modern businesses. Dancewear brand Capezio is located in the former Post Office building and often features beautiful window displays, and French Indochine restaurant Bang Bang has made great use of the former Rifle Club building. Both buildings are located in the heartland of Glen Huntly Rd, and have become Elsternwick icons.