1 – 10 May 2026 Ballarat is set to launch a bold new chapter in its creative journey with the inaugural Ballarat Craft and Design Week, taking place 1-10 May 2026 at the historic Mining Exchange. Building on the success of the much-loved Craft Lab program, this new event responds to the growing needs of […]
Ballarat Craft and Design Week: Bound 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
Artistanbul: Create your own Turkish Mosaic Lamp Read More »
Brian Chapman & Friends A Trio of Stunning Piano Quartets April 12 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm $20 – $45 Humffray Room Get Tickets 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:
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
Whispers of Shadows Read More »
December 7 @ 9:00 am – 2:00 pm Free Minerva Space Come along and experience our Christmas Market & Book Sale just in time for the Festive Season FREE ENTRY Our Stallholders Book Sale We will also be hosting a book sale in the Library on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 December. These books have
BMI Christmas Market Read More »
August 30 @ 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
Melbourne Guitar Quartet Read More »
October 5 @ 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm $20 – $40 Humffray Room Get Tickets Brian Chapman & Friends Pianist 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.67 Interval – Refreshments included Tchaikovsky: Trio
Three Russian Piano Trios Read More »
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 22 July Read More »
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 »
May 24 @ 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
Minerva's Secrets Night Tours
Night Tours
Fri 31 Oct – Sat 15 Nov
& Fri 12 Dec
Tour 1 at 7pm
Tour 2 at 9pm.
Linen & Lace Exhbition
Includes Devonshire Tea | $20
Sat & Sun 22, 23 Oct
10am-4pm
Remembrance Day:
A Surgeon Commander & A Leading Cook - Recent War Memoribilia
Wed 29 Oct & 5 Nov, 5.30pm.
Coming soon…
Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns
Coming soon…
Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.
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 | $60
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
