11/10/2023 @ 5:15 pm - 7:15 pm Free An evening of history and hope with local historian Dr Marguerita Stephens and local documentary film-maker James Freemantle.The Years of Terror meticulously documents the struggle of the Kulin clans to hold Country as La Trobe unleashed ‘the terror of British law’ on them.Based on the journal of Assistant Protector William Thomas, this work provides a…
18/10/2023 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm $5 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Join Phil Roberts as he shares some of the fascinating details captured in Under Minerva's Gaze. If you like a good story with a happy ending you will also be delighted by the efforts of recent Committees to raise money to restore the heritage building. The BMI now…
26/06/2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm $10 – $25 It’s not uncommon to feel we are wandering aimlessly through life; searching for, but never truly finding the contentment and happiness we seek. What have you daydreamed about and wished for in your life? For some it’s a large house, well paid job or fast car. For others it’s reputation, good looks, power, excitement or…
07/08/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Free NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK | Researchers from across Australia are working at an underground lab in Stawell to uncover one of the great mysteries of the universe – the nature of dark matter.
10/09/2024 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $10 THE WHEELER CENTRE | In conversation with Heather Ewart. Award-winning journalist hits the Back Roads to Ballarat to journey through her great Australian road trips.
09/10/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $8 – $12 TWILIGHT TALKS - VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL
16/10/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $8 – $12 TWILIGHT TALKS - VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL
23/10/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $8 – $12 TWILIGHT TALKS - VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL
06/11/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $8 – $12 Bar open at 5pm $8 – $12 Humffray Room The archaeology of a Goldrush city - identifying, protecting and managing Ballarat’s buried relics and ruins. Speaker: Jeremy Smith. Heritage Victoria recently received funding from the Heritage Council Victoria to prepare an Archaeology Management Plan for parts of the City of Ballarat. The plan has reviewed…
20/11/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $8 – $12 Bar open at 5pm $8 – $12 Humffray Room Get tickets How James became King: The true story of James 'King' O'Malley Speaker: Author, Brian O'Malley Brian O'Malley is a retired Australian Federal public servant with experience in law enforcement functions and wide range of work and travel experience. Has has won the ACT Marjorie…
27/11/2024 @ 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm $8 – $12 Bar open at 5pm $8 – $12 Humffray Room Get Tickets Johnny Alloo... of Ballarat notoriety Speaker: Author, John Smyth Article: by Edwina Williams, Ballarat Times - Friday 24 May 2024 When you hear ‘Johnny Alloo,’ you might be like many people in Ballarat who associate the name with a local cafe. But it stems far…
29/01/2025 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm $25 Venue: Minerva Space Whether we’re looking for ways to manage stress or to grow emotionally and spiritually, meditation can help us bring more calm and joy into our lives. However, while many of us feel we could benefit from meditation, we often find it challenging to set aside time or go as deeply into it…
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.
