28/05/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm $40 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 of…
28/02/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 27/03/2024 @ 6:30 pm Free Wednesdays, Starting at 5.30pm (bar open at 5pm) | The full program, is coming soon...
02/03/2024 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm $33 – $45 Ladies, grab your crowns and let's reign supreme over the most epic women's night out of the year! Women Just Want to Laugh! You're in for an evening of uproarious laughter, unforgettable stories, and, of course, WINE Brace yourselves for the uproarious talent of one of Australia's finest female comedians, led by the sensational Janelle…
07/04/2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm $36 – $40 Australias most wanted comedian is back After three years off... and he's not here to f*ck spiders! That's right. Not even if they're dressed in a sexy spider nurse outfit. He just hasn't got the time. And neither do you. Because life happens whether you like it or not. You can tiptoe around it, have a whinge or…
14/04/2024 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm $64.90 Songs for Suzanne - The music and poetry of Leonard Cohen The fascinatingly enigmatic Leonard Cohen’s first clutch of classic albums saw him become one of the leading proponents of folk. Songs for Suzanne will be a celebration of the beginnings of a distinguished career of a brilliant singer-songwriter. Alongside standards including “Bird On A…
24/04/2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $8 – $12 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 of 'moving pictures' in…
01/05/2024 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm $10 – $15 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 of 'moving pictures' in…
08/05/2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $8 – $12 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 of 'moving pictures' in…
15/05/2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $8 – $12 THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED 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…
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…
22/05/2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $8 – $12 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 of 'moving pictures' in…
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
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
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
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.
