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Tours occur weekly 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 tours can also be accommodated on other days, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au

Book here
Accessibility
The Britannia Theatre, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive
New library, the Batten Room
Humffray Room
Minerva Space
Heritage Reading Room
Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy, Ballarat Times, photographer Edwina Williams

BMI News

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Guides in period costume

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Night Tours

Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov

& Fri 12 Dec
 

Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm. 

Get Tickets

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

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Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

 
Give Now >

 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.
electronic noticeboard calendar HALF PRICE
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Purchase yours now
Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

BMI Fundraiser tickets here
Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Performance tickets
More information

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May. 

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Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm. 

Find out More
Get Tickets

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

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Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Performance tickets
More information
portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

Get Tickets
guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

Get Tickets
portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

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with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm. 

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Linen & Lace Exhbition

Includes Devonshire Tea | $20

Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm

BMI Fundraiser tickets here

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm. 

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Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025. 

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Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

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Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

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 Coming in November…

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

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Get Tickets

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm. 

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Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm. 

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Raise a Glass for Brass. 

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm. 

Get Tickets

 Coming soon…

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

Find out More
Get Tickets

 Coming soon…

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

Find out More
Get Tickets

Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

More
Get Tickets

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm. 

Find out More
Get Tickets

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing

find out more