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14/05/2021 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Participate in a suffragette rally and learn the art of suffrajitsu, then, explore Ballarat’s rich heritage of ghostly rituals and hoaxes. Two historical shows with a short interval. Suffrajitsu - See a suffragette rally and a Victorian Women’s self defence display of suffrajitsu, the noble art of self defence for women. Playing the Ghost -…
15/05/2021 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Old Fashioned Entertainment for Modern Audiences Red Mill Revue! is a Celebration of the human form in all its variations. Our Multi-disciplinary performers combine Burlesque, Dance, Vaudeville, Tease, Comedy, Cabaret and Music into a high energy Variety show that’s fun for everyone. You get a whole seat, but you'll only need the front - that's…
21/05/2021 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Lecture and Magic Performance for men and women whose interests lie in history and superstition. Two historical shows with a short interval. The Witching Hour Have you found anything usual while renovating your house? Join Historian Dr David Waldron and Historian/Magician Dr Jo Clyne as they present the findings in a part Victorian era style…
22/05/2021 @ 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm Welcome to the Victorian Pinup Pageant which is the first in a series of Pinup Pageants around Australia leading to the first Australian Pinup Pageant. A performance based presentation celebrating all aspects of vintage & retro nostalgia. Categories: Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Glamourbilly, Geekabilly & a Coupleobillys. Who will win "The Victorian Pinup Pageant" 2021?
15/05/2021 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm Old Fashioned Entertainment for Modern Audiences Red Mill Revue! is a Celebration of the human form in all its variations. Our Multi-disciplinary performers combine Burlesque, Dance, Vaudeville, Tease, Comedy, Cabaret and Music into a high energy Variety show that’s fun for everyone. You get a whole seat, but you'll only need the front - that's…
08/05/2021 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm A host and four suspects will guide party guests through a murder mystery based on Ballarat’s shady past while a 3 course meal is served. The Peculiar Demise of William Bailey Located in the elegant Humffray Room at the historic Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, party guests can dress up in 1870’s costume or modern-day cocktail attire. The…
26/06/2021 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm This film explains why this unique river, travelling from the Wombat Forests near Ballarat to the Barwon River at Geelong, is in trouble. "The River Moorabool" promotes alternative urban water supplies that would increase its flow and resilience in a changing climate. About 90% of the Moorabool’s natural flow is taken for human use. Dams…
07/07/2021 @ 10:00 am - 28/07/2021 @ 4:00 pm Free Image: View of Clunes towards lookout (detail), 2021 | Geoff Roderick Exhibition of Works During Geoff’s Painting Basics sessions a small exhibition of his works will be on display. Commission earned for works offered for sale during the exhibition will support BMI arts and cultural activities. Arts and cultural activities If you would like to provide feedback…
10/07/2021 @ 7:00 pm - 10:30 pm $20.00 Artwork: Jackson Dahlenberg Leah Senior with Champanzee. BMI is thrilled to host two groups with a very unique modern take on folk music in the Humffray Room. Leah Senior creates captivating folk music through ethereal vocals, thoughtful lyricism and blissful harmonies. This will be her first appearance to Ballarat since the release of The Passing…
15/09/2021 @ 10:00 am - 09/01/2022 @ 5:00 pm 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…
02/10/2021 @ 10:00 am - 19/11/2021 @ 4:00 pm Image: Be My Valentine 2, 2020 | Melinda Muscat Exhibition of Works Prior to and during Melinda's Tin Art sessions a small exhibition of her works will be on display. Commission earned for works offered for sale during the exhibition will support BMI arts and cultural activities. This display will only be open during normal…
09/10/2021 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm $33.00 Image: Melinda Muscat | Burst of Sunshine, 2020 | Tin Art (full image below)A Tin Art Workshop | Melinda Muscat In this workshop you will get to make your very own piece of ready to hang tin art. Melinda has a range of designs and templates you can use or you can create your own simple design. You…
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
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
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
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.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
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