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Tours occur weekly at 2pm 

Our building tours are temporarily paused and will recommence in March 2025. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

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

Cost: $11.78 inlcudes gst and booking fee.

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

The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts).

This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop.