• Twilight Talks 2023 | Season 2, Session 2

    BMI - Humffray Room 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

    Twilight Talks is back on again. We have a great line-up of talks: Military History - How do we remember? Peter Dowling Local member of the Ballarat WAGS (Wireless Airgunners School). Motivated to find out more of his father’s and uncle’s experiences in WWII, Peter Dowling has been a member and now President of the […]

    $8.
  • Day Tour of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute

    Library Ground Floor Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, Australia

    Image: Courtesy Paul Lambeth The Tour (by day) A colourful history of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and it’s people. Tuesday’s at 2pm By appointment only, (to organise a volunteer guide we require 24hrs notice). Please complete the on-line booking form. Cost (incl. gst) $10 per person Find out about our Night Tours More Tour Information Enq/Book a […]

    $10.00
  • Ballarat Film Society 2023

    Ballarat Film Society – A Hero (Ghahreman)

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

    Iran, 2021, 127 min. Directed by Asghar Farhadi Modern Iranian Morality Tale Note - this is the 3rd, not the 2nd, Thursday in May. The AGM will commence at 7.00 pm, followed by the film at 7.30 ​ A-lister auteur Farhadi sets his latest film in the Iranian city of Shiraz. Ramin (Amir Jadidi) is in […]

  • The Heritage Collection | Special Program

    Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

    An introduction to the history of the BMI Heritage listed collection, its origins, preservation and future, including an examination of some of the most valuable collection items.  The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute  (BMI) Collection is of historical significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, […]

    $15.00
  • Living Heritage Exhibition

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

    The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a  Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes […]

    $5
  • Living Heritage Exhibition

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

    The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a  Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes […]

    $5
  • Victorian Pinup Pageant 2023 & Revue de Ballarat

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

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

  • Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

    Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to […]

  • The Ballarat Courier Collection | Special Programs

    Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

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

    $15
  • Living Heritage Exhibition

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

    The BMI has recently worked with Grimwade Conservation Services to perform urgently required conservation work on a number of significant items from the Heritage Victoria registered collection. This work was carried out as part of a  Victorian Government Living Heritage Grant awarded in 2021, with work completed in December 2022. These items include original volumes […]

    $5
  • Life Drawing in the Basement

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

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

    $40
  • Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tours | Ballarat Heritage Festival (Originally scheduled 9pm-10pm)

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

    Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to […]