Book Launch | Look Back on Languor: The memoir of a hurkle-durkle Australian male

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

Dr Frank Hurley OAM is well-known and highly respected in the Ballarat community, nowhere more so than in BMI circles has written a memoir titled Look Back on Languor: The memoir of a hurkle-durkle Australian male. The book will be launched at the BMI, in the Humffray Room, at 5.00 - 6.30 p.m. on Friday […]

Meet the Author | Olivia Wearne & Elizabeth Coleman

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The Woman Who Knew Too Little by Olivia Wearne  A Routine Infidelity by Elizabeth Coleman THE similarities keep coming for two local authors who discovered they recently published their latest works a couple of days apart from each other. Now Elizabeth Coleman and Olivia Wearne have become fast friends following the release of their second novels. […]

$10

Digitisation Workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Digitisation workshop Capturing high-quality images of your catalogue records serve as a digital preservation copy of our collections while also allowing for increased public access and decreased physical handling. This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to work one-on-one to learn the basics of museum photography such as camera settings and operations, lighting, and image […]

Event Series The Reading Room

The Reading Room

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

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 […]

The Heritage Collection | Special Program

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

An introduction to the history of the BMI Heritage listed collection, its origins, preservation and future, including an examination of some of the most valuable collection items.  The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute  (BMI) Collection is of historical significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, […]

$15.00

Living Heritage Exhibition

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a  Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes […]

$5

Living Heritage Exhibition

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a  Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes […]

$5

The Ballarat Courier Collection | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

Sit down with us as we read the paper that continues to tell the story of Ballarat. The BMI houses hard copies of this local icon dating back to its inception; what might you discover as you turn the pages of history? Cost: $15 BMI members | $25 Regular fee Book here View the full […]

$15

Living Heritage Exhibition

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a  Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes […]

$5

Life Drawing in the Basement

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Unleash you artistic potential on Sunday 21 May & Sunday 28 May, two sessions each day starting at 2pm & 7pm each day, duration two hours each session. Attention, all ye aspiring artists and lovers of the fine arts! A most exceptional life drawing session awaits thee in the depths of a heritage basement, reminiscent […]

$40

Life Drawing in the Basement (this event now cancelled)

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

Unleash you artistic potential on Sunday 21 May & Sunday 28 May, two sessions each day starting at 2pm & 7pm each day, duration two hours each session. Attention, all ye aspiring artists and lovers of the fine arts! A most exceptional life drawing session awaits thee in the depths of a heritage basement, reminiscent […]

$40

Baron von Mueller Collection | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

Up close and personal with  Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller  -   Baron von Mueller was appointed government botanist for the then colony of Victoria by Governor  Charles La Trobe in 1853, and later director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.  He also founded the  National Herbarium of Victoria and named many Australian plants.  Come along […]

$15
Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

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

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | $40

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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing