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Please join local artist Melinda Muscat as she embarks on her latest project, designed to promote the imaginings of local makers, writers and musicians - The Ballarat Imaginarium. (119A Sturt Street Ballarat) - Drinks served in the Library. Catering provided. Drinks at bar prices. RSVP Essential: To keep us all safe, this event has been […]
Image: The Sailor Dog, by Margaret Wise Brown, A Little Golden Book Classic | Oaky & Ginger Upcycled Exhibition of Works Prior to Market Day at the BMI Simone Reid will display a selection of her works in the library. Commission earned for works offered for sale during the exhibition will support Our Arts and Cultural […]
BALLARAT ANZACS | Display At the outbreak of the war in August 1914 Ballarat men were quick to enlist. While most consider the Gallipoli landing on April 25th 1915 to be Australia’s first action of the war, Ballarat’s first casualty occurred on September 14th 1914 with the loss of the submarine AE 1 off the […]
BALLARAT ANZACS | Talks Garry Snowden, President, Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour will facilitate a talk on each Thursday of the display: Thursday 7 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Stories of Courage Sacrifice & Larrikinism | Garry Snowden Thursday 14 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Mining Mud & Medals | Yvon Davis Thursday 21 […]
BALLARAT ANZACS | Talks Garry Snowden, President, Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour will facilitate a talk on each Thursday of the display: Thursday 7 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Stories of Courage Sacrifice & Larrikinism | Garry Snowden Thursday 14 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Mining Mud & Medals | Yvon Davis Thursday 21 […]
BALLARAT ANZACS | Talks Garry Snowden, President, Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour will facilitate a talk on each Thursday of the display: Thursday 7 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Stories of Courage Sacrifice & Larrikinism | Garry Snowden Thursday 14 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Mining Mud & Medals | Yvon Davis Thursday 21 […]
BALLARAT ANZACS | Talks Garry Snowden, President, Arch of Victory & Avenue of Honour will facilitate a talk on each Thursday of the display: Thursday 7 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Stories of Courage Sacrifice & Larrikinism | Garry Snowden Thursday 14 April, 11am | BALLARAT ANZACS: Mining Mud & Medals | Yvon Davis Thursday 21 […]
Image: Lillipilli Beads, courtesy Faye Heininger Exhibition of Works Prior to Faye's workshop on 20 July she will have a selection of her work on display in the Library. If you would like more information on Faye's work or attend her workshop go to our events page prior to 20 July or pop into the library […]
Image: Nyibol Deng Exhibition of Works Prior to the BMI Maker Market & Book Sale Nyibol will have an exhibition of works on display in the Library. You will be able to get a preview of the product she will have for purchase on market-day. You will be able to purchase these works and all commission […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
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
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