Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show | Ballarat Heritage Festival

Hugh Williamson Foyer, Level 1

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 the devastating impact of television and the attraction of the drive-in, making the BMI's Vegas 70 for a […]

Free

Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show: From the Archives | Ballarat Heritage Festival

Heritage Reading Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

This Heritage Reading Room (the original Mining Exchange in Ballarat) houses a fascinating and authentic representation of a Mechanics’ Institute library from early last century, and visitors will be delighted at the opportunity to touch, feel and read some of more than 16,000 historic books and other publications that make up the registered collection, for […]

Free – $5

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours!This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be […]

$27.50

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours!This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be […]

$27.50

Day Tour of the BMI | Ballarat Heritage Festival

Lending Library 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

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

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to […]

$27.50

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to […]

$27.50

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 5 | Not the Last Picture Show | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

Special Edition Twilight Talks This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics' Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience […]

$8 – $12

BMI165 Birthday Devonshire Tea Party | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

 As the Institute is 165 years old this year, we will take the opportunity to celebrate during the festival, by including a heritage-style Devonshire Tea as an afternoon Birthday Party, the first of many celebratory events for 2024. This will be on offered as a ticketed event, and will be held in our beautiful Heritage Humffray Room, paying homage […]

$15

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing