21/04/2024 @ 2:30 pm - 4:15 pm $15 – $35 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…
17/05/2024 @ 10:30 am - 30/05/2024 @ 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 the devastating impact of television and the attraction of the drive-in, making…
17/05/2024 @ 10:30 am - 30/05/2024 @ 4:00 pm Free – $5 – $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 and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land. BMI news White…
17/06/2024 @ 10:00 am - 26/07/2024 @ 3:00 pm Free BALLARAT WINTER FESTIVAL - ART PROJECT | A Fortunate Series of Events: A Projection Installation by Human Designs, Featuring Melinda Muscat.
17/05/2025 @ 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 Nellie Melba was a regular at the Savoy Hotel,…
18/05/2025 @ 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 Hamer holds a Bachelor of Music (Classical Vocal Performance)…
24/05/2025 @ 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 living world, all under one roof. Get Tickets:…
10/09/2025 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm $35 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, and Jessica Larm The Panel will discuss the…
30/09/2025 @ 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 a member of CRAFT and RAV.Hear about their advocacy…
25/10/2025 @ 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 decades, 1880 to 1970. Fine hand made lace to…
26/10/2025 @ 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 through the decades, 1880 to 1970. Fine hand made…
12/11/2025 @ 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm $25 – $35 Humffray Room Session begins at 5:30pm Get Tickets Crafting Conversation A Panel Series for Makers in Business Real talk - Generous insight - A creative space to learn, reflect and connect Artist Panel: Travis Price, Ben Sanders & Spencer Harrison Our second edition moves across to the community of artists, featuring three Ballarat artists who work commercially,…
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
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
Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65
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.
