This work is the large painting between the stairs leading to the Humffray Room. It seems it was left over from the BMI Art Union of 1874 and an arrangement was made with the artist Mr Burtt for the BMI to retain it… The frame has been professionally restored and re-gilded, and the painting cleaned by […]
Rex’s Snippits | Governor Sir Charles Darling Read More »
Extract from the Heritage Victoria Register BMI statement of significance. “The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in Ballarat was built in two main stages, in 1860-61 and in 1869-70. The Institute had first met unofficially in 1854, with space provided for the first reading room in the Ballarat Fire Brigade building, but a site for a new
Rex’s Snippits | Is it AA or A in Ballaarat? Read More »
Did you know that in 2010 the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute received recognition from UNESCO? It was in the form of a Honourable Mention in the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation. This was to recognise the major renovations to the building that took place in that period, and names Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute
Rex’s Snippits | UNESCO 2010 Honourable Mention Read More »
Would you like easy access to our image collection?Find out more… Image Collection Membership
Rex’s Snippits | BMI Image Collection Read More »
As we turn 165 years old we must admire the effort and work of those before us, who have striven to ensure that we are in a position to meet the responsibilities of caretakers for this remarkable facility, but we need your help. As you are probably aware, the last twelve months at the Ballaarat
BMI 165th Birthday Appeal | Give now 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 Snippits | Building renovations 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 Snippits | Grand Pianos at the BMI 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 »
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
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2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
