BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.4.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Australia/Melbourne BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20240406T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20241005T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20250405T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20251004T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20260404T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20261003T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113132Z CREATED:20241219T044531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113132Z UID:60832-1744824600-1744828200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Medals and Memorabilia DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/medals-and-memorabilia/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-medals-memoribilia.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250416T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T234242Z CREATED:20250210T232526Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234242Z UID:61892-1744830000-1744833600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-16-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250422T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250513T150000 DTSTAMP:20250321T015148Z CREATED:20250113T045602Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T015148Z UID:61150-1745330400-1747148400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute | Australian Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/day-tours-aust-heritage-fest/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/BMI-woodcut_bags-low-res-1kb-e1703024949185.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113134Z CREATED:20241219T044445Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113134Z UID:60830-1745429400-1745433000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2 | Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective: Feeling the Battlefield Spirits DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/stories-of-the-somme/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/square-promo-individuals-spirits.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250423T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T234710Z CREATED:20250211T000334Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T234710Z UID:61899-1745434800-1745438400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-23-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T203000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003154Z CREATED:20250120T002601Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003154Z UID:61331-1745609400-1745613000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, This Tour is now Fully Booked DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250425T223000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003145Z CREATED:20250120T004138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003145Z UID:61339-1745616600-1745620200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Australian Heritage Festival\, Tour 2 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ahf-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250426T200000 DTSTAMP:20250417T052656Z CREATED:20250417T051337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T052656Z UID:64617-1745690400-1745697600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Beyond Limits | An Evening with Mick Marshall DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mick-marshall/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Film,Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mick-marshall.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250427T160000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250427T200000 DTSTAMP:20250321T162923Z CREATED:20241129T225635Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T162923Z UID:60381-1745769600-1745784000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ash Grunwald at the BMI DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/ash-grunwald/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ash-sq-promo.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250429T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T045401Z CREATED:20250218T012450Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T045401Z UID:62175-1745949600-1745955000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Shelley Burr DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/shelley-burr/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/square-promo-shelley-burr.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T183000 DTSTAMP:20250325T113126Z CREATED:20250108T020658Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T113126Z UID:60981-1746034200-1746037800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks 2025\, Season 2\, Special Event | The Life of Walter Withers DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/twilight-talks-life-of-walter-withers/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Members,Talk,Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo-david-rathgen-final.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250430T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T235148Z CREATED:20250211T001230Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T235148Z UID:61901-1746039600-1746043200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-30-apr-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250501T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250501T200000 DTSTAMP:20250410T031044Z CREATED:20241204T012140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250410T031044Z UID:60465-1746122400-1746129600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Natasha Lester DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/natasha-lester/ LOCATION:City of Ballarat CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Author Talk,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Library,Victorian Seniors Festival ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/sq-promo-natasha-lester-1-may.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250504T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250504T160000 DTSTAMP:20250408T003645Z CREATED:20250403T014922Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T003645Z UID:64247-1746367200-1746374400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:E A Gleeson\, Book Launch - The Deepest Thing: A Poetic Memoir DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/anne-gleeson/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-anne-gleeson-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T193000 DTSTAMP:20250502T010026Z CREATED:20250401T040022Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250502T010026Z UID:64144-1746640800-1746646200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Mimi Kwa DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/mimi-kwa/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/square-promo-mimi-kwa-v2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250507T200000 DTSTAMP:20250331T235229Z CREATED:20250211T002737Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250331T235229Z UID:61903-1746644400-1746648000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-7-may-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T210000 DTSTAMP:20250321T062716Z CREATED:20250212T023140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T062716Z UID:61967-1746732600-1746738000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bicycle Thieves (Ladri di Biciclette) DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/bfs-bicycle-thieves/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Externally Produced Event,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/sqaure-promo-bfs2.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T190000 DTSTAMP:20250417T041147Z CREATED:20250415T035815Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041147Z UID:64500-1746813600-1746817200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/seedpod-oubliette/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250509T210000 DTSTAMP:20250430T042710Z CREATED:20250318T025201Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042710Z UID:62953-1746819000-1746824400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-amazing-lucas-girls/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T150000 DTSTAMP:20250417T041141Z CREATED:20250415T235811Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T041141Z UID:64553-1746885600-1746889200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Seedpod Ballarat 2025 | Gemma Cavoli - 'Oubliette' | Artist in Residence DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/seedpod-oubliette-session-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Artist in Residence,Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/oubliette-sq-promo-v2.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Punctum":MAILTO:hq@punctum.com.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T143000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T160000 DTSTAMP:20250430T042629Z CREATED:20250320T034846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042629Z UID:63030-1746887400-1746892800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - Session 2 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-amazing-lucas-girls-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250510T210000 DTSTAMP:20250430T042820Z CREATED:20250320T035214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T042820Z UID:63032-1746905400-1746910800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:The Amazing Lucas Girls by acclaimed playwright Cate Whittaker - Session 3 DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/the-amazing-lucas-girls-3/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Australian Heritage Festival,Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/A-Hs-LG-hero320-promo-square.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Lost Voices":MAILTO:lostvoicesnsw.au@gmail.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T193000 DTSTAMP:20250321T024750Z CREATED:20250304T015324Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250321T024750Z UID:62426-1747245600-1747251000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Darcy Tindale DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/darcy-tindale/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/darcy-tindale-sq-promp.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250514T200000 DTSTAMP:20250408T022228Z CREATED:20250211T002910Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T022228Z UID:61905-1747249200-1747252800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Kadampa Meditation Series | Find Your Flow: A Buddhist Guide to an Effortless Life DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/kadampa-meditation-series-14-may-25/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:kadampa ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/square-promo3.webp ORGANIZER;CN="Kadampa Meditation":MAILTO:info@kadampa.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T203000 DTSTAMP:20250515T222312Z CREATED:20250210T002600Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222312Z UID:61825-1747423800-1747427400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - NOW FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250516T223000 DTSTAMP:20250515T222405Z CREATED:20250210T001340Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T222405Z UID:61817-1747431000-1747434600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival - NOW FULLY BOOKED DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-16-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T183000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250517T230000 DTSTAMP:20250508T064422Z CREATED:20250114T223422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T064422Z UID:61199-1747506600-1747522800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Dinner - This event has now been CANCELLED. DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melba-opera-trust-dinner/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/about-dame-nellie-melba.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T160000 DTSTAMP:20250515T060728Z CREATED:20250114T215837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T060728Z UID:61189-1747576800-1747584000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Dame Nellie Melba Celebration Performance DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/melba-opera-trust/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Art programs,Australian Heritage Festival,Ballarat Heritage Festival,Classical Music,Important Dates,Live Music,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mot-performance-promo-sq.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T203000 DTSTAMP:20250515T223444Z CREATED:20250210T002829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250515T223444Z UID:61827-1747596600-1747600200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-1/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_908662326866361-e1708918930337.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T213000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250518T223000 DTSTAMP:20250423T003042Z CREATED:20250210T012647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250423T003042Z UID:61846-1747603800-1747607400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour\, Ballarat Heritage Festival DESCRIPTION: Australian Heritage Festival \n \n 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 \n \n Over the past 150 years of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute has\, at times taken pride of place among the grand buildings of Ballarat\, attracting to its membership the cream of the citizens of the city.  At other times it has been hidden behind shopfronts and other businesses\, out of sight and out of mind for all but a handful of people who continued to patronise the Library and participate in the occasional meetings or other activities.  In the early years\, as the dreams of the founding fathers gradually came to fruition\, the walls of the Institute rang with the voices of people attending soirees\, bazaars and balls\, and were hushed in the presence of lectures some of whom were august and important and were visiting Ballarat to experience the vibrancy of goldrush Victoria for themselves. These events\, particularly those of an entertaining rather than uplifting nature which the lady members were mostly responsible for\, brought in much needed funds that helped the Institute Committee complete the building and meet it financial commitments. \n \n As Ballarat threw off its frontier goldmining image and began to see itself as a modern sophisticated city\, the population clambered for social refinement\, rather than lectures on mining and engineering\, so the Mechanics’ Institute was obliged to provide new opportunities for its members\, Art\, design\, drawing and language classes were introduced and lectures took on a more general\, if somewhat moralistic\, tone with temperance being a popular topoc of many lectures. And so the institue continues to evolve and find revelance today… These are their stories. Text taken from the Introduction from Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institue. Editors\, Jill Blee & Phil Roberts \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Cost: $11.78 includes gst and booking fee. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book here\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accessibility\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Britannia Theatre\, 1920 | Image from the BMI archive\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n New library\, the Batten Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Heritage Reading Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Humffray Room\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Minerva Space\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Talking point: BMI’s Paula Nicholson\, Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison and BMI Venue Manager Sam McColl under just some of the candle-smoke graffiti in the Basement | Photo courtesy\, Ballarat Times\, photographer Edwina Williams \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The research material for your tour has been drawn from – Under Minerva’s Gaze: 150 years at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (edited by Jill Blee and Phil Roberts). This reference material is available for purchase at the Library or can be purchased via our Shop. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Under Minerva's Gaze\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n This event is part of the Australian Heritage Festival URL:https://ballaratmi.org.au/event/minervas-secrets-night-tours-bhf-18-may-2/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Ballarat Heritage Festival,Fundraiser,Important Dates,Night Tours ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/received_265285705882698-e1708919200874.jpeg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR