BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - ECPv6.16.5.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH 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: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 BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20270403T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20271002T160000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+1100 TZOFFSETTO:+1000 TZNAME:AEST DTSTART:20280401T160000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+1000 TZOFFSETTO:+1100 TZNAME:AEDT DTSTART:20280930T160000 END:DAYLIGHT END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260803T193000 DTSTAMP:20260630T040354Z CREATED:20260520T044923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T040354Z UID:73049-1785780000-1785785400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Margaret Hickey 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/in-conversation-with-margaret-hickety/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sp-promo-talks-margaret-hickey.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T190000 DTSTAMP:20260617T043625Z CREATED:20260615T050825Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260617T043625Z UID:73589-1786125600-1786129200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:150 Years of Botanical Communication 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/150-years-of-botanical-communication/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Talk,The Collection ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/sq-promo-events-arresting.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260807T204000 DTSTAMP:20260331T034032Z CREATED:20251205T035734Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T034032Z UID:69366-1786131000-1786135200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Blake Pavey: A Bit Scared 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/blake-pavey-a-bit-scared/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/sq-promo-blake-pavey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="KEG Touring":MAILTO:Contact@kegtouring.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260809T123000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260809T153000 DTSTAMP:20260701T021404Z CREATED:20260622T050152Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T021404Z UID:73794-1786278600-1786289400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Lawrence Mooney and Friends 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/lawrence-mooney/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Comedy ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sq-promo-events-lawrence-mooney.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260812T193000 DTSTAMP:20260611T041738Z CREATED:20260324T234500Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260611T041738Z UID:71535-1786557600-1786563000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sophie Green 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/sophie-green/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/sp-promo-talks-sophie-green.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260813T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T033912Z CREATED:20260129T051107Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033912Z UID:70430-1786649400-1786654800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | The Blue Trail 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/ballarat-film-society-the-blue-trail/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/the-blue-trail-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260820T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260820T203000 DTSTAMP:20260629T040002Z CREATED:20260223T053749Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T040002Z UID:70821-1787252400-1787257800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:You Can't Tell Anyone\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/you-cant-tell-anyone-20-aug/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YCTA-ATDW-1600-x-1200-px-e1782429973747.png ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260821T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260821T203000 DTSTAMP:20260629T035851Z CREATED:20260629T033353Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T035851Z UID:73961-1787338800-1787344200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:You Can't Tell Anyone\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/you-cant-tell-anyone-21-aug/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YCTA-ATDW-1600-x-1200-px-e1782429973747.png ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260822T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260822T153000 DTSTAMP:20260629T035740Z CREATED:20260629T033533Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T035740Z UID:73963-1787407200-1787412600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:You Can't Tell Anyone\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/you-cant-tell-anyone-22-aug-matinee/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YCTA-ATDW-1600-x-1200-px-e1782429973747.png ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260822T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260822T203000 DTSTAMP:20260629T035634Z CREATED:20260629T033731Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260629T035634Z UID:73965-1787425200-1787430600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:You Can't Tell Anyone\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/you-cant-tell-anyone-22-aug/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YCTA-ATDW-1600-x-1200-px-e1782429973747.png ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260823T130000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260823T143000 DTSTAMP:20260630T001508Z CREATED:20260629T033831Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T001508Z UID:73967-1787490000-1787495400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:You Can't Tell Anyone\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/you-cant-tell-anyone-23-aug-matinee/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YCTA-ATDW-1600-x-1200-px-e1782429973747.png ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260823T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260823T193000 DTSTAMP:20260630T015250Z CREATED:20260629T033929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260630T015250Z UID:73969-1787508000-1787513400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:You Can't Tell Anyone\, A Ballarat National Theatre Production 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/you-cant-tell-anyone-23-aug/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat National Theatre,Theatre Production ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/YCTA-ATDW-1600-x-1200-px-e1782429973747.png ORGANIZER;CN="Ballarat National Theatre":MAILTO:contact@bnt.org.au END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260902T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260902T193000 DTSTAMP:20260707T051452Z CREATED:20260707T044841Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T051452Z UID:74311-1788372000-1788377400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Lauren Williams & Penny Tangey 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/in-conversation-with-lauren-williams-penny-tangey/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sp-promo-talks-lauren-williams-penny-tangey.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260905T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T051824Z CREATED:20260604T032725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051824Z UID:73413-1788602400-1788703200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Spring reading 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/book-sale-spring-bmi/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-spring-book-sale.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T140000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260906T160000 DTSTAMP:20260604T035434Z CREATED:20260514T044101Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T035434Z UID:72995-1788703200-1788710400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Fashion Parade Fundraiser | Vintage & Collectables 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/fashion-parade-fundraiser-vintage-collectables/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Important Dates,Members,Vintage & Collectables ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/promotional-square-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260910T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T033843Z CREATED:20260129T052341Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033843Z UID:70438-1789068600-1789074000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Kōkā 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/ballarat-film-society-koka/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/koka-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260923T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260923T193000 DTSTAMP:20260619T021935Z CREATED:20260618T020721Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T021935Z UID:73660-1790186400-1790191800@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with P. A. Swanborough 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/in-conversation-with-p-a-swanborough/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sp-promo-talks-pa-swanborough-v2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260929T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260929T193000 DTSTAMP:20260706T013903Z CREATED:20260630T040425Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260706T013903Z UID:74057-1790704800-1790710200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Sally Mackinnon 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/in-conversation-with-sally-mackinnon/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sp-promo-talks-sally-mackinnon.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261001T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261001T193000 DTSTAMP:20260619T055107Z CREATED:20260618T013735Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T055107Z UID:73652-1790877600-1790883000@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Michael Robotham 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/in-conversation-with-michael-robotham/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/sp-promo-talks-michael-robotham.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261005T180000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261005T193000 DTSTAMP:20260707T044728Z CREATED:20260707T044017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260707T044728Z UID:74304-1791223200-1791228600@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:In Conversation with Monica McInerney 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/in-conversation-with-monica-mcinerney/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Author Talk,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/sp-promo-talks-monica-mcinerney.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260331T033815Z CREATED:20260129T054045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T033815Z UID:70446-1791487800-1791493200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Bound for Glory 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/ballarat-film-society-bound-for-glory/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/bound-for-glory-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T190000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261009T220000 DTSTAMP:20260331T023230Z CREATED:20260203T013254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T023230Z UID:70535-1791572400-1791583200@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Telegraph Road - The Dire Straits Legacy: Matt Arthur and The Lazybones 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/telegraph-road-the-dire-straits-legacy/ LOCATION:The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Live Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/matt-arthur-sq-promo.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Matt Arthur Music":MAILTO:matt@mattarthurmusic.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261125T173000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261125T183000 DTSTAMP:20260625T023611Z CREATED:20260623T232758Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T023611Z UID:73816-1795627800-1795631400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Twilight Talks: Season 2\, Understanding the Language of your Body 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-season-2-the-language-of-your-body/ LOCATION:BMI – Humffray Room\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Twilight Talks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-tt-language-of-your-body.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T193000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261210T210000 DTSTAMP:20260414T073342Z CREATED:20260129T055545Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T073342Z UID:70454-1796931000-1796936400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Ballarat Film Society | Smiley Gets a Gun 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/ballarat-film-society-smiley-gets-a-gun/ LOCATION:BMI – Minerva Space\, 117-119 Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, VIC\, 3350 CATEGORIES:Ballarat Film Society,Film ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/smiley-sq-promo.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261212T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20261213T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T051722Z CREATED:20260619T034945Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051722Z UID:73676-1797069600-1797170400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Christmas reading 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/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-christmas-reading/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-christmas-26.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270501T100000 DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20270502T140000 DTSTAMP:20260619T051712Z CREATED:20260619T051024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260619T051712Z UID:73683-1809165600-1809266400@ballaratmi.org.au SUMMARY:Book Sale | Reward yourself with some excellent Autumn reading 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/book-sale-reward-yourself-with-some-excellent-autumn-reading/ LOCATION:Lending Library\, Sturt Street\, Ballarat Central\, Victoria\, 3350\, Australia CATEGORIES:Fundraiser,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://ballaratmi.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/square-promo-autumn-26.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR