Latest Events
As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year! – Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.
In Conversation with Amanda Hampson
May 27 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm $11.78 Humffray Room Get Tickets The Model Murder Amanda Hampson A Tea Ladies Mystery A model vanishes – A man is murdered...
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Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver
June 6 @ 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm $60 – $100 Get Tickets Join us for a Cabaret-style evening of celebration, connection, and performance, featuring some of the most talented...
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Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop
June 7 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Free Book your spot Interested in drag but not sure where or how to start? Or maybe you’ve already been performing and...
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Ballarat Film Society | Monster
June 11 @ 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Minerva Room Japanese Coming of Age Psychological Thriller This psychological mystery/exploration of growing up from one of Japan’s major filmmakers offers superb...
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Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute – Each Tuesday
Tuesdays at 2pm | A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group...
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Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour
Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than...
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Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour
October 31 @ 9:00 pm – 10:00 pm $27.50 Meet at the BMI entrance Get Tickets Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night....
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Our Library | New Releases, Recommendations & Author Talks – June 2026
New Releases, Recommendations & Author
Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.
Venue Hire
The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.
Membership
Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.
Supporters & Partners
If you would like to support the BMI as a Strategic Partner, as an Event Partner or Supporter, or you would like to consider a Corporate Membership then we would like to hear from you.
Find out who supports the BMI.
Our History
John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.
Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.
Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.
