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 @ 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm $7 Get tickets Heritage Conversations: A life in photos – John Gollings John Gollings | Photo: Heide Smith. As one of Australia’s most influential architectural photographers, John Gollings has changed the way audiences see the built environment to reveal stories about its character and personality. From architecture to advertising and back again, John became the ‘go-to
Open House Melbourne Presents, Heritage Conversations: A Life in photos – John Gollings Read More »
24/05/2025 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm $15 Get tickets Frank Weston: The Wizard Oil Prince Wizard Oil & Wonders: The Peculiar Legacy of Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince Come join us for a magical evening at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute! Discover the mysterious world of Frank Weston, the legendary Wizard Oil salesman. Learn about his strange concoctions and their surprising effects.
Wizard Oil and Wonders: Frank Weston the Wizard Oil Prince Read More »
24/05/2025 @ 10:00 am – 12:20 pm $23.05 Get tickets Returning for one morning only The Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. The first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! In
The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Mary Poppins Read More »
23/05/2025 @ 8:30 pm – 10:45 pm $23.05 Get tickets Returning for one night only The Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. The first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! In
The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Chinatown Read More »
23/05/2025 @ 6:30 pm – 8:15 pm $23.05 Get tickets Returning for one night only The Vegas 70 was once the most popular cinema in Ballarat. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute and Showbiz Cinemas have collaborated to bring back the Vegas for the Ballarat Heritage Festival. The first moving pictures (called cinematograph) in Ballarat were shown at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in 1896! In
The Vegas 70 returns to Ballarat | Ballarat Heritage Festival | Blazing Saddles Read More »
08/07/2025 @ 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 8 July Read More »
21/05/2025 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 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 Heritage Festival | Tour 3 Read More »
20/05/2025 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 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 Heritage Festival | Tour 1 Read More »
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.
