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 […]
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
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 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
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 »
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 »
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
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.
