Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

One Tease Rules Them All: Fellowship of the G-String - The Burlesque Parody
2026-05-09 19:30 - 21:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350
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 be explored. During these tours, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover!

Whether you’re a local looking to discover more about your city’s history, or a visitor seeking a unique and memorable experience, the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours are not to be missed. Led by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat. Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time! The tours have a small capacity, and therefore, numbers are limited. Group bookings are available – please contact our Tours Coordinator – Katrina Hill

Note | Accessibility Most of this tour is wheelchair accessible, however the tour does include entry into the BMI Basement, which is not wheelchair accessible. The tour does involve stairs, however a lift is available throughout (except to the basement). This tour is not Auslan interpreted, and the guide does not use any amplification system. Tour groups will enter dimly lit areas of the building under supervision of the guide. BMI Accessibility information can be found at https://ballaratmi.org.au/accessibility Photo of Minerva: Paul Lambeth

Cost / Bookings: $25 plus booking fee & gst.

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In Conversation with Victoria Purman
2026-05-11 18:00 - 19:30 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

In Conversation with Kerri Rogan
2026-05-13 18:30 - 20:00 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Kadampa Meditation Series | Love Changes Everything: How to Transform Yourself & the World Around You
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Lending Library, Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

Ballarat Film Society | Black Dog
2026-05-14 19:30 - 21:00 | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350

Victorian Occult Conference
2026-05-16 08:30 - 18:00 | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350

Minerva's Secrets | Night Tour
2026-05-19 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-05-19 21:00 - 22:00, 2026-06-12 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-12 21:00 - 22:00 | The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Lantern Vaults | Special Preview
2026-05-19 19:30 - 20:30 | The Basement, Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

Kadampa Meditation Series | From Anxiety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life
2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:00 | Lending Library, Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

Lantern Vaults
2026-05-21 10:00 - 2026-05-24 16:00, 2026-05-30 10:00 - 11:00 | BMI – Multiple Spaces, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Panic from the Sky: A Call of Cthulhu Adventure
2026-05-22 19:00 - 20:30 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Ballarat Heritage Festival - Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute
2026-05-23 11:30 - 2026-05-24 12:15 | Meet in the Foyer, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Australia

In Conversation with Amanda Hampson
2026-05-27 18:30 - 20:00 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Kadampa Meditation Series | From Aniety to Action: Tools to Reclaim Your Life
2026-05-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Lending Library, Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

Queer Blak+ Deadly with Steven Oliver
2026-06-06 17:30 - 21:30 | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350

Moco: 5 Senses of Drag Workshop
2026-06-07 12:00 - 15:00 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Kadampa Meditation Series | Focus: The Transformative Power of Concentration
2026-06-10 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-17 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:00 | Lending Library, Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

Ballarat Film Society | Monster
2026-06-11 19:30 - 21:00 | BMI – Minerva Space, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350

Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute - Each Tuesday
2026-06-16 14:00 - 2027-01-12 15:00 | Library Ground Floor, Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

In Conversation with Anthea Hodgson
2026-06-17 18:00 - 19:30 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Royal South Street Society | Pianoforte Schedule - Celebrating Chopin
2026-06-21 14:30 - 18:00 | The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

In Conversation with Mark Smith
2026-06-23 18:00 - 19:30 | BMI – Humffray Room, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia

Royal South Street Society | Vocal Championship Challenge
2026-06-27 18:30 - 19:30 | The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, VIC, 3350, Australia
