06/10/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $5 The BMI is home to thousands of photographs of Ballarat through the ages. Through the lens of several different photographers and collectors including Max Harris. Join us for a curator-led tour of the BMI's photographic exhibition as part of the Ballarat Foto Biennale, as well as a special viewing of some treasures from our collection…
07/10/2023 - 08/10/2023 Free Image: above Clem Onojeghuo Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 October, 10am - 2pm This event is an important fundraiser for the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute. Venue: Library, Ground Floor Book Donations In the lead-up to the Book Sale we are happy to take book donations to assist in raising badly needed funds. We can take delivery…
10/10/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm Free Professor Barry Golding is speaking on his insights into the changing conservation and care of 6 peaks in Southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country. Bunanyung Landscape Alliance is proud to present a FREE talk by Prof Barry Golding. A respect for landscape is built into our name. We recognise that landscapes change, and that our perceptions…
11/10/2023 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm $15 Image: Happy Birthday | Fay's CreationsA workshop in Cardmaking.In this workshop you will use your creativity and style to produce amazing greeting cards that speak to your friends, family and colleagues with personality and heart.You will learn:How to use paint to make your own original backgrounds.How to use stencils, a medium and paint to make interesting raised…
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…
12/10/2023 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm USA, 2016, 98 min. Directed by Werner Herzog Digital Revolution Documentary Elon Musk, Lawrence Krauss and Lucianne Walkowicz, stars of the digital revolution, feature in Werner Herzog’s documentary about the internet, which he calls one of the “greatest revolutions of humanity.” Herzog asks pertinent questions, and patiently listens, allowing his subjects to reveal all the…
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…
22/10/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
22/10/2023 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm $25 Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to…
25/10/2023 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm $15 Image:Credit Maria Orlova A workshop in Dried Floral Arrangement. In this workshop you will use your creativity and style to make beautiful dried floral arrangements and posies. You will learn: How to use colouring to enhance your dried arrangements. How to incorporate loved items and fabric. About the types of fixings that work well. All…
28/10/2023 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $60 Take part in this important BMI fundraiser The BMI vintage & Pre-loved Shop are showcasing their waresMake time for a lovely get together. A glass of champagne on entry with music accompaniment and a beautiful high tea with:Fashion Parade 6 x Models will be displaying outfits from the shop.We will be hosting a Silen Auction of…
31/10/2023 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm $10 Tours occur weekly at 2pm A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Group Tours: Group tours can also be accommodated on other days, to do so contact: katrina@ballaratmi.org.au Book here Accessibility The Britannia Theatre, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive…
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
