• Ballarat International Foto Biennale | Number One | Gudinski

    The Ballarat Imaginarium 119A Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

    Image: Image: Brian Purnell, Michael Gudinski, Courtesy of Mushroom Creative House Number One | Gudinski  (currently open Thursday to Sunday | updated 13/10/21) This element of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale will be held in the Basement of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. We are thrilled to be a part of this wonderful event. About this […]

  • SoundCheck Studios – Summer Sounds 2021

    BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

    Welcome to SoundCheck Studio’s highlight event for 2021! SoundCheck are incredibly excited to welcome their artists to the stage after a year of off and on again zoom lessons and cancelled performances. Their students have worked hard to bring you a MASSIVE show of sweet turned and dance-floor vibes. Both the intermediate & senior shows […]

    $20
  • Charlie Wilde ‘Allihies’ Tour – Ballarat

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

    Charlie Wilde embarks to Regional Victoria and beyond celebrating the release of his acclaimed debut EP 'Allihies, with special guest Benjamin Trillado. "Despite his relative youth, Charlie Wilde's music bursts to life with a cinematic feel that will leave you entranced, the raw beauty of his compositions similar to '90s indie heroes Mercury Rev and […]

    $23.50
  • The Reading Room | January

    Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up 512 Macarthur Street, Soldiers Hill, Victoria, Australia

    The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 2.30pm - 4pm) This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly. It is anticipated that members will read the selected book prior to attendance.If you would like to be a part of this group (free to BMI members) please complete the Expression of […]

  • The Three Tenors – Ballarat Italian Association

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

    The Ballarat Italian Association presents three great voices singing the most noted songs of the century from the ever-popular operatic arias to English, Spanish & Italian Classics & also modern songs & ballads loved by all. The Three Tenors Show, without doubt, performs the most versatile, sophisticated, heartfelt repertoire that any show could present. Also […]

    $20 – $35
  • Ballarat Film Society – Heroic Losers

    BMI - Minerva Space 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC

    We begin with a comedy to start the year on a happy note. Set in 2001, when Argentina was at a low point economically, retired soccer star Fermin joins with other locals to finance a grain co-operative that falls prey to a deceptive banker. Consequently, they band together to steal back the money. Revenge has never felt so […]

  • The Ballarat Imaginarium – Opening Event

    The Ballarat Imaginarium 119A Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

    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 […]

  • The Reading Room | February

    Soldiers Hill CBD | Pop-up 512 Macarthur Street, Soldiers Hill, Victoria, Australia

    The Reading Room (This session will start at 1030am until the resumption of normal operating hours) This volunteer run reading and discussion group meets monthly. It is anticipated that members will read the selected book prior to attendance. If you would like to be a part of this group (free to BMI members) please complete […]

  • Melbourne International Comedy Festival | Outta Town – Ballarat

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

    We’re packing our bags and hitting the road for some weekend getaways! Be a part of the fun as we roll into regional Victoria with some of Australia’s funniest comedians for a series of outta town trips. Featuring some of Australia’s most exciting comedians including Dilruk Jayasinha, star of Celebrity Masterchef and ABC TV’s Utopia, Alex Ward, regular guest on Have You […]

    $25 – $29
Guides in period costume

Minerva's Secrets Night Tours

Night Tours

Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov

& Fri 12 Dec
 

Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm. 

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

Linen & Lace Exhbition

Includes Devonshire Tea | $20

Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

 Coming in November

Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Raise a Glass for Brass

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm

 Coming soon

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

 Coming soon

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

Remembrance Day:

A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia

Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing