Established 1859

BALLAARAT

MECHANICS'

INSTITUTE

Ballarat’s Independent Home of Arts, Culture, and Literature

Latest Events

As Ballarat’s independent home of Arts and Culture we host a wide range of events throughout the year!  –  Make sure you check out the BMI events calendar to see what we have coming up.

BMI events contributing to the Australian Heritage Festival & Ballarat Heritage Festival

Latest news

Read up on the latest happenings at the BMI. From Library news and exhibitions to the latest word from board and staff.

Fundraiser

We are thrilled to have the involvement of our event supporters and providers for this important fundraising event Event Partners Premium Wine Wholesaler The Harmonies Surf Shadows The Hideaways Waller & Chester Printers Find out more Shindig If you would like to be involved as a Corporate Membership then we would love to hear from

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newsletter front page
Newsletter

In this issue: Rosemary’s Library New Releases and Recommendations | Message from the Chair | BMI Fundraiser | Author Talks | Australian Heritage Festival | Ballarat Heritage Festival | From the curator | Twilight Talks | Vegas 70 | Live Comedy | Live Gigs | Strategic Partnerships | Conservation Status

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heritage photo of shop front
Photography Collection

Old friends William ‘Bill’ Messer and Francis ‘Frank’ Opie first opened their tailors on Bridge Street in 1935. The two had first known each other through the Ballarat Harriers Athletic Club before the war. In 1915, they enlisted four days apart, both aged 18. At the time, Messer was working as a draper and Opie as

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portrait of author
Author Talks

Be sure to register for this free event. We would love to see you there. What Happened to Nina? | Dervla McTiernan More information Views: 6,192

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Venue Hire

The BMI has a number of beautiful spaces that are available for hire. With reasonable ‘pay-for-what-you-need’ pricing, stunning heritage architecture, and modern facilities, it is the perfect place for your next event.

Membership

Invest in the Ballarat community by becoming a BMI member. Membership to the organisation allows you to borrow books from the lending library, as well as discounts to BMI events and other perks.

Our History

John B. Humffray arrived in Melbourne on the 19th of September 1853 on the Star of the East and had found himself in Ballaarat by 1854.

Because of the conditions he had seen on the goldfields he formed the Reform League to advocate for better conditions and treatment of the diggers by Government Officials. He was elected unopposed as an M.L.C. in 1855 and was elected as an M.L.A. in 1856 for North Grant.

Humffray was elected as President of the Committee of Management of the Mechanics Institute in May of 1859 when the reading room was established at the Ballarat Fire Brigade in Barkly Street. His term of office was interrupted by his Parliamentary duties so was succeeded by Andrew Anderson in 1860.

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BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing