On the corner of what came to be Sturt and Lydiard Streets was originally a 160 foot deep mine shaft known as ‘Bath’s Claim’. A former miner recollected that as men descended the shaft in slings they looked like “strings of onions going down a cellar.”After the shaft was abandoned for more promising leads, a […]
From the Curator | National Mutual Building Read More »
Dana Street Primary School first opened as a National School in 1857, with a modest 50 pupils. The “neat and commodious” bluestone school house was a far cry from the tent schools serving the children of the goldfields. The first teachers were Charles Martin and his wife, and the school came to be known as
From the Curator | Dana Street Primary School Read More »
Would you like easy access to our image collection?Find out more… Image Collection Membership
Rex’s Snippets | BMI Image Collection Read More »
Did you know that the BMI had a ceiling collapse prior to our major building renovations.Find out more… Renovations Membership Tours
Rex’s Snippets | Building renovations Read More »
Yesterday’s subtlety shouldn’t get lost in the hurley burley of today… this little gem, a progressive thought, burried in a much loved tome is as genius then as it is today. Why not become a member of the BMI community, pop into the library and see what it can offer you. We would love your
The art of subtlety | Membership Read More »
In 1977, a suite of Victorian-era shops in Bakery Hill were slated for demolition to make way for a purpose-built McDonald’s restaurant. While the buildings were not heritage listed, concerned residents formed the Save Bakery Hill Action Group to agitate against the destruction. The area is also believed to be the site where the Eureka
From the Curator | Bakery Hill Read More »
It seems there may have been at least three grand pianos in the BMI, some were hired for a particular event or performance, but the main problem was getting such a large and heavy object up and down the stairs to the hall, as well as getting the piano from Melbourne to Ballarat, especially before
Rex’s Snippets | Grand Pianos at the BMI Read More »
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow oldAge shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. MH 60-20 | Arch of Victory & Sea Scouts, Ballarat This news item was a social media post, below are
From the Curator | Lest we forget | Post 11 Nov 2023 Read More »
The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has been selected to receive a Community Heritage Grant to the value of $5,500 (excluding GST) for the Significance Assessment of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Collection. Community Heritage Grants is an Australian Government partnership between the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and four national collecting institutions: National
Significance Assessment of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute Collection 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
