creative

Past Truths/Bright Futures

An evening of history and hope with local historian Dr Marguerita Stephens and local documentary film-maker James Freemantle. The Years of Terror meticulously documents the struggle of the Kulin clans to hold Country as La Trobe unleashed ‘the terror of British law’ on them. Based on the journal of Assistant Protector William Thomas, this work […]

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Australian Burlesque Festival | The Big Teaser

Headliner: Ferri Maya Host: Tash York Special Guest Performers: Cherry Velour Delores Daiquiri Artists: AZCADELIA Desert Diamonds Fandom Femmes Minnie Mayhem Summer Dragonfly Velma Vouloir Vincent Prize The Australian Burlesque Festival presents The Big Teaser! The Australian Burlesque Festival presents an exciting new show that opens prior to the official launch of the national tour. Get

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The Photography of the BMI | Victorian Seniors Festival | Now fully Booked

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.  Join us for a curator-led tour of the BMI’s photographic exhibition as part of the Ballarat Foto Biennale, as well as a special viewing of some treasures from our collection

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Life Drawing in the Basement

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

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Thu 16 Oct – 19 Oct 

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. 

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 

 
Give Now >

 

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. 

Spring Season, History Talks:

Ballarat's Henry Lawson - The Dragon's Den - Gold! Gold! Gold!

Wed 3, 17 & 24 September, 5.30pm. 

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

  Performance – 18 May.

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm. 

 Coming soon

Rozzi Bazzani. Stella Day Out: Katia Ariel & Samah Sabawi, Rachael Johns

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. 

Ballart Seniors Festival 

Celebrate at the BMI.

 October 2025. 

Ballarat Pride Month

Events at BMI

The Month of June 

Ballarat Winter Festival

Events at BMI

5 July – 27 July 

 Coming in September

Gabriel Bergmoser, Tracey Lee Holmes, Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae.

with Michael Robotham

 Wed 20 August at 6pm. 

Tracey Lee Holmes: A Life Through Sport

Thu 4 September at 6pm. 

Raise a Glass for Brass. 

The Little Brass Band BMI Fundraiser

Sun 10 August at 2pm. 

 Coming soon

Dianne Dempsey, Chrissie Bellbrae, Paula Gleeson, Rozzi Bazzani.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing