September 24 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Bar open at 5pm $9.73 – $13.83 Humffray Room Get tickets Gold! Gold! A comparison between the Ballarat & Bendigo Goldfields. An overview of the production of gold and its implications from the goldrush era of the 1850s up until today in both the Ballarat and Bendigo […]
Twilight Talks 2025, Season 3, Spring Season | Gold! Gold! Bendigo – Ballarat Read More »
September 17 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Bar open at 5pm $9.73 – $13.83 Humffray Room Get tickets Saving Dragons: The Life and Times of Russell Goldfield (Louey Yeung Man) Jack by Dianne Dempsey Russell Jack, the visionary founder of the internationally renowned Golden Dragon Museum, spent his life breaking barriers and preserving the
September 3 @ 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Bar open at 5pm $9.73 – $13.83 Humffray Room Get tickets Ballarat’s Henry Lawson, Unknown facts presented by Hedley Thomson The young Henry visited Ballarat, specifically to ‘bone up’ on the happenings at Eureka on Sunday 3rd December 1854; he proceeded to write numerous poems and prose
July 30 @ 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Prahran Mechanics’ Institute Victorian History Library Rare Books in Mechanics’ Institutes Join our expert panel featuring librarians from three historic Victorian institutions: the PMI Victorian History Library (est. 1854), Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (est. 1859), and Athenaeum Library (est. 1839). Delve into the rich history of these community
Rare Book Week Melbourne | Rare Books in Mechanics’ Institutes: Uncover Hidden Treasures 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
May 18 @ 9:30 pm – 10:30 pm $25.00 Get Tickets Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night. Looking for a unique way to explore Ballarat’s rich history and culture? Look no further than the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute’s Night Tours! This beautiful heritage building dates back to the
Minerva’s Secrets | Night Tour, Ballarat Heritage Festival Read More »
Trivia Night Fundraiser
26 August Doors open 6.45pm | Tickets also available at the door
$25 per person | $20 BMI members
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.
Coming in November…
Stella Day Out, Ballarat, Rachael Johns & Margaret Hickey
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
Pre-Sale $60 from 6 Aug to 9 Aug - $65 thereafter
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.
