John Mildren OAM was the Federal Member for Ballarat 1980-1990. Prior to his election to Federal Parliament, he had been from 1970 a Senior Lecturer in Education at the Ballarat Teachers’ College and later Ballarat CAE. Soon after his election, he acquired one of the limited run of prints, made from the original woodblock, of […]
Gift & Unveiling Function | From John Mildren OAM & Mildren Family Read More »
9 – 17 August | As BMI associated events are confirmed they will be listed HERE.
National Science Week Read More »
Travel back in time to Conder’s Milk Bar for a delicious banana split topped with ice cream, wafers, nuts and chocolate syrup! Jack Conder opened his eponymous milk bar on Sturt Street in 1941 at the tender age of 25. As well as ice cream, Conder’s sold pastries, cigarettes, candy and newspapers. Conder’s fast became a popular
From the Curator | Condor’s Milk Bar Read More »
The art deco beauty of Walter Davis & Co. Walter Davis & Co first opened on Bridge Street in 1920, selling men’s, ladies and children’s clothing, as well as household furnishings and manchester. By 1930, the shop was solely focused on ladies fashion, with Walter’s brother Joseph opening a men’s clothing store nearby. Walter and
From the Curator | Shopping at Walter Davis & Co Read More »
The Large Hall/Auditorium The large hall or auditorium of the Ballaarat Mechanic’s Institute occupied all of the upper story of the first (back) section of the Institute built in 1860. The hall is 84 ft. long, 47 ft. wide and has a 25ft. ceiling. It was designed as a lecture hall, meeting, function and exhibition
Rex’s Snippets | Moving Pictures at the Institute Read More »
Built in 1866, the former London Chartered Bank Building was one of the four handsome buildings that graced “the corner” of Lydiard and Sturt Streets for much of the 20th century. The building was designed by the celebrated architect Leonard Terry, known for his designs of banks and churches, including the former Bank of Australasia
From the Curator | London Chartered Bank Building Read More »
If you’re planning on spending some leisure time at Lake Wendouree this weekend, you might spot the recreated Golden City Paddlesteamer! The original Golden City Paddlesteamer was launched on the 16th June 1885, carrying thousands of pleasure seekers for leisure rides on the lake. In 1966 the paddlesteamer was sold and relocated to Melbourne, where
From the Curator | The Golden City Steamer Read More »
As the summer of cricket is in full swing, we are featuring a photograph of the English cricket team outside of the iconic Craigs Royal Hotel in 1929. The English cricket team had travelled to Australia to play the Ashes series in 1928, ultimately retaining the honour across tests played in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane. In
From the Curator | Summer of Cricket Read More »
These tours are a wonderful way of learning about the history of this important part of Ballaarat’s heritage, still operating 6 days a week. As well as our heritage listed building we have a valuable collection of heritage books, newspapers & photographs. Why you don’t come on in and find out more, $10 never went so far.
Looking for an adventure next Tuesday at 2pm? Why not take a day tour of the BMI. Read More »
We are featuring a photograph from our Ballarat International Foto Biennale exhibition of photographs from the Max Harris Collection, ‘Coliseum Fire.’ The Coliseum was built in Ballarat in 1908 by the Royal South Street Society, a spacious new home for their celebrated Eisteddfods. By the 1930’s, the Coliseum had become a 4,000 seat theatre and
From the Curator | The Coliseum Fire Read More »
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
