Ongoing

The Reading Room

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

The Reading Room This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly, the last Monday of the month, in the Heritage Reading Room (subject to availability) . Members will select books to be discussed which will include fiction, non-fiction, poetry and short stories. If you would like to be a part of this group (free […]

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Series

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

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.

$10

Ballarat Chess Club

BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

Meet Thursdays in the Humffray Room

$3 – $80
Featured Featured

Chasing Dick: A Love Story – FAQT

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

FAQT: FESTIVAL OF QUEER THEATRE | Commissioned by Festival of Australian Queer Theatre Will you let yourself go? How far are you willing to go? Who are you willing to let...

$15 – $30
Featured Featured

Play Reading | Queer Canon – FAQT

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

FAQT: FESTIVAL OF QUEER THEATRE | Hosted by John Kachoyan. Until comparatively recently, live performance work and story telling on the Australian stage was still rare and scandalous. That doesn’t mean it didn’t exist. From 1800s male impersonator Effie Fellows to modern classics oF...

$15 – $30

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

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 

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.
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

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

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

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. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

with Kylie Ladd

 Wed 25 June at 6pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing