Talks

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying, gaming and local heritage

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 1 | At Play in the Fields of the past: Roleplaying, gaming and local heritage Read More »

A black and white image of audience watching movies

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 3 | Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 3 | Not the Last Picture Show: Moving Pictures at the BMI Read More »

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 2 | Not the Last Picture Show: The Lost City of Melbourne

This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute, meaning many had their first ever experience of ‘moving pictures’ in

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 2 | Not the Last Picture Show: The Lost City of Melbourne Read More »

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 4 | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED

May 15 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm $8 – $12 THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 4 | THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN CANCELLED Read More »

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City

May 22 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm $8 – $12 This special edition of our regular Twilight Talks series will feature speakers discussing the history of cinema in Ballarat, complimenting our free exhibition. Just a year after the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph in 1895, the first screenings were held at the Mechanics’ Institute,

Twilight Talks 2024, Season 2, Session 5 | Stories of the Silver Screen in the Golden City Read More »

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

guides dressed in period costum

Australian Heritage Festival

Minerva's Secrets

25 April – 2 tours: 7.30pm & 9.30pm

portrait of author with book cover

Australian Heritage Festival

Natasha Lester in conversation

1 May at 6pm

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Ballarat Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

16 to 25 May 

Connections to War from a Ballarat Perspective

Wed 2-30 April, 5.30pm

Australian Heritage Festival Events at the BMI

18 April to 18 May

Dame Nellie Melba Birthday Celebration

Fundraising Dinner
17 May. 

  Performance – 18 May.

Christmas Holiday Closures | Library

Monday 23 December – Sunday 5 January

Devonshire Tea & Fashion Parade

Bubbly on arrival & Featuring quality items from our Vintage Shop | $60

The Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute 2025 Calendar

Featuring the BMI Image Collection | Now $20

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 

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.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing