Image:Credit Maria Orlova A workshop in Dried Floral Arrangement. In this workshop you will use your creativity and style to make beautiful dried floral arrangements and posies. You will learn: How to use colouring to enhance your dried arrangements. How to incorporate loved items and fabric. About the types of fixings that work well. All […]
Violinist Susan Pierotti and pianist Brian Chapman join forces to present a Duo-Recital comprising a rich and varied selection of works by Ludwig van Beethoven. The concert opens with a perennial favourite - the engagingly melodious "Spring" Sonata in F, Op.24, followed by the composer's final Violin Sonata - the serenely pastoral G major Sonata […]
May 17 @ 10:30 am - May 30 @ 4:00 pm Free MH 94 Coliseum Grenville Street, Ballarat Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings of this new technology of ‘moving pictures’ were held at the Mechanics’ Institute. By the 1970’s, cinema’s death was being heralded after […]
May 17 @ 10:30 am - May 30 @ 4:00 pm Free – $5 This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn […]
BALLARAT WINTER FESTIVAL - ART PROJECT | A Fortunate Series of Events: A Projection Installation by Human Designs, Featuring Melinda Muscat.
May 17 @ 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm $169.63 Venue Get Tickets Dame Nellie Melba... Join us for an evening to celebrate Dame Nellie's birthday, with foods named in her honour and music to match from the Melba Opera Trust artists. There will be performances by the Melba Artists during the five course dinner. Dame […]
May 18 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $39.96 Venue Get Tickets An afternoon of song, arias and duets... The BMI in partnership with Melba Opera Trust. Meet the 2025 Melba artists, as they perform a repertoire that celebrates the Birthday of Dame Nellie Melba - program coming soon... The Artists SOPHIE HAMER British-Australian Sophie […]
May 24 @ 10:00 am - 11:00 am Get Tickets Whispers from the Garden - a ticketed immersive performance blending live readings, storytelling, and theatrical atmosphere. Journey through letters and legacy from figures like George Longley and Ferdinard von Mueller, revealing the poetic and powerful language of nature. A celebration of art, history, and the […]
September 10 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm 5.30pm start. $35 Venue: Humffray Get Tickets Crafting Conversation A Panel Series for Makers in Business Real talk - Generous insight - A creative space to learn, reflect and connect Launch of quartley in person Panel Series - The Jewellers Edition Jewellers Panel: Alana Smith, Lucie HB, […]
September 30 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Free Venue: Humffray Register Join Nicola Bryant (Program & Engagement Coordinator, CRAFT) and Kate Gerritsen (Director, Communications & Engagement, Regional Arts Victoria) Join Nicola Bryant (Program & Engagement Coordinator, CRAFT) and Kate Gerritsen (Director, Communications & Engagement, Regional Arts Victoria) to hear about the benefits of becoming […]
October 25 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm $20 Plus bkg. feeMinerva RoomPlus bkg. fee Get Tickets Take part in this important BMI fundraiser Together with The Fashion in Time Club, a wide selection of special curated pieces from private collections will be on display. A variety of linen and lace taking you through the […]
October 26 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm $20 Plus bkg. fee Minerva Room Plus bkg. fee Get Tickets Take part in this important BMI fundraiser Together with The Fashion in Time Club, a wide selection of special curated pieces from private collections will be on display. A variety of linen and lace taking you […]
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Night Tours
Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov
& Fri 12 Dec
Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm.
Linen & Lace Exhbition
Includes Devonshire Tea | $20
Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
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.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
