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

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

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

Life Drawing in the Basement (this event now cancelled)

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

Baron von Mueller Collection | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

Up close and personal with  Baron Ferdinand Von Mueller  -   Baron von Mueller was appointed government botanist for the then colony of Victoria by Governor  Charles La Trobe in 1853, and later director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne.  He also founded the  National Herbarium of Victoria and named many Australian plants.  Come along […]

$15

Cataloguing workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault

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

Victorian Collections Introductory Cataloguing Workshop This workshop provides an introduction to the principles of collections management and catalogue documentation. Participants will learn how to best physically manage their collection items as well as digitally document them using Victorian Collections: a free, web-based and easy-to-use collections management system. Topics covered in this workshop include: Introduction to […]

The Artwork of the BMI | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

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 […]

$15

The Photography of the BMI | Special Programs

Lending Library Sturt Street, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia

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 […]

$15

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

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 of […]

$40

Digitisation Workshop | AMaGa | Geraldine Brault

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

Digitisation workshop Capturing high-quality images of your catalogue records serve as a digital preservation copy of our collections while also allowing for increased public access and decreased physical handling. This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to work one-on-one to learn the basics of museum photography such as camera settings and operations, lighting, and image […]

Conservation for non-conservators

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

This workshop is being delivered in Ballarat in partnership with AMaGA Victoria and AICCM. The day will consist of a presentation and discussion focusing on the preventive care of collections including risks, storage and display guidelines, storage and display materials, and basic mount making techniques. The workshop will also include 3 hands on activities. The […]

$70

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

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 

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.
The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

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

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – Tour 1 at 7.30pm – fully booked
Tour 2 at 9.30pm – still tickets. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Ballarat Heritage Festival BMI Day Tours

Two tours  on 20 &  21 May 

 

with Nicole Alexander

28 May at 6pm

with Gail Holmes

 Wed 4 June at 6pm

with Kylie Ladd

 Wed 25 June at 6pm

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing