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.
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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Kadampa Meditation Series | From Anxiety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life
May 20 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Free – $12 Lending Library, ground floor These classes offer simple, practical methods to improve the quality of our life and develop...
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Lantern Vaults
May 21 @ 10:00 am – May 24 @ 4:00 pm Free The Basement* Plus bkg. fee Lantern Vaults A new immersive installation in the basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics’...
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Ballarat Heritage Festival – Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute
Thursday 21 May to Saturday 23 May , 3 tours: 11:30am – 12:30am – 1:30pm (aporoximately 45 minute duration). Sunday 24 May , 4 tours: 10.30am – 11:30am – 12:30am...
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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.
