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Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 3 | Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI

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

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics' Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of 'moving pictures' in […]

$8 – $12
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Ballart Film Society | Shayda

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

Iranian-Australian Family Story Opening the 2022 Melbourne International Film Festival, Niasari ‘s debut film Shayda was selected by Australia to enter the Best International Feature Film Oscar race in 2023. Iranian-Australian born writer and director Noora Niasari tells the personally inspired story of a young Iranian mother and her 6-year-old daughter who find refuge in […]

Rock ‘n’ Roll with our Stars (Dancing with our Stars 24): Featuring James Bookman

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

Rock 'n' Rolling with Our Stars: Featuring James Bookman Get your dancing shoes out for a night of Rock n Roll feat. music by JAMES BOOKMAN and DJ BOZ. All funds raised towards the Ballarat Foundation Dancing With Our Stars 2024 This Rock n Roll night is getting bigger! If you are free this Saturday […]

$25 – $40

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 4 | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED

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

May 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $8 – $12 THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings […]

$8 – $12

Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show

Hugh Williamson Foyer, Level 1

May 17 @ 10:30 am - May 30 @ 4:00 pm Free MH 94 Coliseum Grenville Street, Ballarat Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings of this new technology of ‘moving pictures’ were held at the Mechanics’ Institute. By the 1970’s, cinema’s death was being heralded after […]

Free

Exhibition | Not the Last Picture Show: From the Archives

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

May 17 @ 10:30 am - May 30 @ 4:00 pm Free – $5 This event is part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival This event takes place on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn […]

Free – $5

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour 1 | This session is now fully booked.

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

May 17 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm $28.69 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 […]

$28.69

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour 2

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

May 17 @ 9:00 pm - 10:00 pm $28.69 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 […]

$28.69
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The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival

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

May 18 @ 7:00 pm - 11:30 pm $20 – $30 Returning for one night only The Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. The first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were […]

$20 – $30
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Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow | Ballarat

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

May 19 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm $55 Australia's biggest and best comedy spectacular is setting off again on its annual road trip around the country! Showcasing the finest talents from the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we're delivering a dose of laughter right to your doorstep! Featuring a line-up of beloved comedy royalty […]

$55

Day Tour of the BMI | Ballarat Heritage Festival

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

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.

$10

Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour 3 | This session is now fully booked

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

May 21 @ 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm $28.69 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 […]

$28.69
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Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

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

BMI Fundraiser tickets here
calendar for 2025
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | $40

Purchase yours now
Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

 
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Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing

find out more