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23/05/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm 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…
24/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $15 A detailed look at the restoration of The Girl in the Bonnet and other needy artworks in the collection. Book attendance | $15 BMI members | $25 Regular fee. Bookings View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI Ballarat Heritage Festival | BMI Melba Opera Trust Scholars announced for 4 June…
24/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 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…
24/05/2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm $10 Twilight Talks is back on again to celebrate the Ballarat Session 5: This session is now fully booked Wedneday 24 May | 5.30pm Ballarat Chinese Library | 200 Sturt Street Chinese History "Join us for a unique Twilight Talk when we take the BMI on the road, to the nearby Chinese Library. A more intimate…
25/05/2023 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm $15 The BMI is home to thousands of photographs of Ballarat through the ages. Through the lens of several different photographers and collectors including Max Harris, the BMI might just have that photograph you are looking for! Book attendance | $15 BMI members | $25 Regular fee. Bookings View the full list of Ballarat Heritage Festival…
25/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 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…
26/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 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…
27/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 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 of…
28/05/2023 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm $5 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…
28/05/2023 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm $40 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…
28/05/2023 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm $15 Buster Keaton in The General. Silent film with Live Band. Join us for an unforgettable night of entertainment as we take you back to the golden era of cinema with a silent film screening of The General, starring the legendary Buster Keaton. The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute will provide the perfect backdrop for this special event. You'll be…
28/05/2023 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm $40 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 of…
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Calling for Pre-loved books
These donation assist in our Library Fundraising Activities
We can take delivery during regular Library operating hours. See website footer.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
Australian Heritage Festival
Minerva's Secrets
25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets.
Spring Season, History Talks:
Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!
Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm.
Bubbly on arrival featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2026 Calendar
Featuring illustrations from our Heritage Book Collection $40
Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.
Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges.
2 course dinner & lots
of dancing
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