The Heritage Collection | Special Program

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

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, […]

$15.00

Living Heritage Exhibition

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

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 […]

$5

Living Heritage Exhibition

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

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 […]

$5

Victorian Pinup Pageant 2023 & Revue de Ballarat

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

Welcome to the 7th Annual Victorian Pinup Pageant. Held during the Ballarat Heritage Week. @12pm The Victorian Pinup Pageant (segment of the Australian Pinup Pageant) is a celebration of Pinups in a performance-based presentation where entrants can achieve their personal best. Open to Novice & Experienced competitors. ALL categories are Gender Neutral. The Pageant promotes […]

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

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 […]

The Ballarat Courier Collection | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

Sit down with us as we read the paper that continues to tell the story of Ballarat. The BMI houses hard copies of this local icon dating back to its inception; what might you discover as you turn the pages of history? Cost: $15 BMI members | $25 Regular fee Book here View the full […]

$15

Living Heritage Exhibition

Heritage Reading Room Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

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 […]

$5

Life Drawing in the Basement

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

Unleash you artistic potential on Sunday 21 May & Sunday 28 May, two sessions each day starting at 2pm & 7pm each day, duration two hours each session. Attention, all ye aspiring artists and lovers of the fine arts! A most exceptional life drawing session awaits thee in the depths of a heritage basement, reminiscent […]

$40

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival (Originally scheduled 9pm-10pm)

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

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 […]

Life Drawing in the Basement (this event now cancelled)

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

Unleash you artistic potential on Sunday 21 May & Sunday 28 May, two sessions each day starting at 2pm & 7pm each day, duration two hours each session. Attention, all ye aspiring artists and lovers of the fine arts! A most exceptional life drawing session awaits thee in the depths of a heritage basement, reminiscent […]

$40

Baron von Mueller Collection | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

Up close and personal with  Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller  -   Baron von Mueller was appointed government botanist for the then colony of Victoria by Governor  Charles La Trobe in 1853, and later director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.  He also founded the  National Herbarium of Victoria and named many Australian plants.  Come along […]

$15

Cataloguing workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault

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

Victorian Collections Introductory Cataloguing Workshop This workshop provides an introduction to the principles of collections management and catalogue documentation. Participants will learn how to best physically manage their collection items as well as digitally document them using Victorian Collections: a free, web-based and easy-to-use collections management system. Topics covered in this workshop include: Introduction to […]

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

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

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | $40

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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing