August 11 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Free Get Tickets XYXLAB Queer Stories Join XYX LAB (Monash University) for a hands-on workshop that invites LGBTIQA+ participants and allies to share and celebrate their stories of queer visibility, belonging and inclusion in public space. Through a creative co-design process we’ll visualise your stories and turn them into collages, short films or 3-dimensional models. No…
XYX Lab Queer Stories Research. Read More »
January 10 @ 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm $59 – $129 Humffray Room Get Tickets DIY Workshop | Turkish Mosaic Lamp Bring colour, light, and creativity together in this hands-on Turkish Mosaic Lamp Workshop hosted by ArtIstanbul, right in the heart of Ballarat.Guided by our friendly instructors, you’ll design and build your very own mosaic lamp using pre-cut glass and low-fume adhesive – no cutting or
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April 12 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm $20 – $45 Brian Chapman & Friends A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets April 12 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm $20 – $45 Humffray Room Brian Chapman & Friends Pianist Brian Chapman will be joined by violinist Susan Pierotti, violist Katharine Brockman and cellist Rosanne Hunt. The Program. Mozart: Quartet in G minor. K.478 Beethoven: Quartet in
Brian Chapman & Friends: A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets Read More »
February 28 @ 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm $20.50 Humffray Room Get Tickets ‘A celebration of resilience, a hymn to the unwavering power of the human spirit, a poetic whisper that echoes into eternity’Experience a mesmerising night of art rock, spoken word, and experimental sound as Danielle Whalebone presents Whispers of Shadows an immersive live performance that blends music, projections, and emotion into a
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07/12/2025 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Free Minerva Space Come along and experience our Christmas Market & Book Sale just in time for the Festive SeasonFREE ENTRY Our Stallholders Book SaleWe will also be hosting a book sale in the Library on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December. These books have been donated to the BMI by members and the Ballarat community
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30/08/2025 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm $33 – $36.30 Minerva Space Get Tickets Melbourne Guitar Quartet (MGQ) Expanding the sound world of the classical guitar Celebrating two decades at the forefront of Australian chamber music, the Melbourne Guitar Quartet has established itself as one of the country’s most distinctive and dynamic ensembles. Renowned for their rich, orchestral sound and innovative arrangements, MGQ brings a
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05/10/2025 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm $20 – $40 Humffray Room Get Tickets Brian Chapman & FriendsPianist Brian Chapman will be joined by violinist Susan Pierotti and cellist Rosanne Hunt. The Program. Glinka: Trio Pathétique in D minor.Shostakovich: Trio No.2 in E minor, Op.67Interval – Refreshments includedTchaikovsky: Trio in A minor, Op.50. Mikhail Glinka Dmitri Shostakovich Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Musicians Pianist Brian ChapmanEnglish-born pianist
Three Russian Piano Trios Read More »
July 28 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm $11.00 Tuesdays at 2pm | 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. We also offer specialty tours, information on these can be found on our Building Tours webpage.
Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute Read More »
15/07/2025 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm $11.78 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.
Day Tours of the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute | Ballarat Winter Festival 15 July Read More »
24/05/2025 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am Get Tickets Whispers from the Garden – a ticketed immersive performance blending live readings, storytelling, and theatrical atmosphere. Journey through letters and legacy from figures like George Longley and Ferdinard von Mueller, revealing the poetic and powerful language of nature. A celebration of art, history, and the living world, all under one roof. Get Tickets:
Fundraiser for Ballarat RSL & BMI
$33 per person
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Tue 19 May with special visit to Lantern Vaults
Tour 1 at 7pm – Tour 2 at 9pm.
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.
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
Sunday 6 September at 2pm - Cost $65
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.
