Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute

Ballaarat Mechanics' Institute Ballarat's independent home of Arts, Culture, and Literature since 1859.

Ballarat has one of the most vibrant cultural scenes to be found anywhere in regional Australia. The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute (BMI) is positioned in the centre of the Ballarat scene - between the Art Gallery of Ballarat, Ballarat Trades Hall, and Her Majesty’s Theatre. Established in 1859 as an independent cultural and learning hub, the BMI maintains a lending library, heritage books and ref

erence archives, and many wonderfully restored rooms that will delight any heritage aficionado. All are welcome to visit for tours, cultural and live music events, and to hire our unique event spaces. The BMI is a special venue for holding celebrations, weddings, conferences and performances. The BMI also produces high quality and unique events that bring arts and culture to our city. Our organisation continues to create partnerships with other cultural organisations including The Wheeler Centre for Books, Writing, and Ideas; Ballarat National Theatre; and The Royal South Street Society, to bring you the best that Ballarat has to offer. The BMI acknowledges that our building stands on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung People and we pay our respects to Elders - past, present, and emerging.

Whistle and Trick Whistle and Trick Aria-nominated musical duo, Whistle & Trick are always ready to sing, dance, and cau...
02/06/2026

Whistle and Trick Whistle and Trick
Aria-nominated musical duo, Whistle & Trick are always ready to sing, dance, and cause a bit of mischief.

Writing original music for kids and their big people, a Whistle & Trick show is bound to get the whole family up and moving.

Signed with ABC Music, Whistle & Trick have two albums and an EP under their belt, and you can catch their original music video clips on ABC Kids TV and iView. As big kids themselves, they love to explore all the wonderful, wacky things in life, through a variety of musical styles and live instrumentation. Whistle and Trick bring a sense of play and imagination into every performance and are sure to bring the party to the stage for a whole heap of musical fun!

Find out more go to our Live Music Link in BIO.

Both these amazing authors are coming to BMI soon…
01/06/2026

Both these amazing authors are coming to BMI soon…

Do you love engrossing works of historical fiction that will transport you to another time, make you laugh, make you think, then deliver you back to the current day feeling very glad you've spent your time in the past with these characters and their story? Thought so!

Well - you need THE PALACE OF LOST VIRTUE, the new novel from Anthea Hodgson Australian Author. And if you'd like to find out more about it, I'll be in conversation with Anthea on Wednesday 10 June at Gleebooks in Sydney at 6 for 6.30 p.m.

Bookings essential, link in comments.

Rosemary's Book of the Week'A Murder in Springtime' by Martin Walker To reserve go to our 'Library' webpage link in BIOB...
01/06/2026

Rosemary's Book of the Week

'A Murder in Springtime' by Martin Walker

To reserve go to our 'Library' webpage link in BIO

Bruno, chief of police of the Dordogne town of St Denis, is no stranger to murder. But when he receives a phone call from his friend, Pamela, reporting a fatal attack on her newly arrived lodger, Josette Quirit, he is forced to recuse himself from the investigation due to his close ties to the case.

Luckily, he has a project to distract him. For hundreds of years, the market of St. Denis has been the beating heart of the small town. Now suddenly, customers and stall holders alike have fallen away dramatically. Frustrated with his work- where a new, young detective has been bought in to replace him-Bruno throws himself into breathing new life into his beloved market.

But it's not long before Bruno finds hiself caught up in the investigation again when it transpires that Josette is not quite the kindly nurse she first appeared to be.

Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos “Joscho Stephan is the future of Gyp...
31/05/2026

Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos Joscho Stephan Trio: Gypsy Jazz Virtuosos

“Joscho Stephan is the future of Gypsy Jazz guitar. He has absorbed the music of Django Reinhardt and interpreted it on his own terms.” — Acoustic Guitar Magazine

“He plays with the clarity of a classical guitarist, the improvisation of a jazz musician, and the fire of a rock star.” — Guitar Player

Hailed as one of the most exciting ensembles in the acoustic guitar scene today, the Joscho Stephan Trio is breathing fresh life into the classic gypsy swing tradition pioneered by Django Reinhardt. Led by the masterful playing of Joscho Stephan and joined by Sven Jungbeck (guitar) and Volker Kamp (double bass), their live performances reveal a mesmerizing synergy and technical brilliance that captivate audiences worldwide.

Find out more go to our Live Music Link in BIO.

We are very excited :)
30/05/2026

We are very excited :)

In conversation with Anthea Hodgson - Wednesday 17 June at 6pm Hodgson Australian Author

Anthea will be in conversation with fellow author, AJ Lyndon talking about Anthea's new book 'The Palace of Lost Virtue'

Blending real historical events with beautifully written fiction, the novel shines a light on overlooked chapters of Australian history.

Marigold is a devout Christian working with her mother to save the local women from a life dedicated to s*x work. Pansy is one of those s*x workers and the owner of Pansy Arlington’s Palace of Pleasure. When the women’s paths cross, what ensues is an extraordinary friendship, a shocking murder trial and a history that gives voice to the lives of the remarkable women who lived and died in the goldfields.

Set in Kalgoorlie between 1898 and 1926, this intimate story of female friendship is drawn from Western Australia’s dark past and real history. Inspired by the real-life murders of policemen Alexander Pitman and John Walsh, this novel threads a brutal act of violence through its narrative. As the investigation unfolds, questions of guilt, justice and truth become increasingly blurred.

Find out more go to our Talks webpage link in BIO to get tickets go to our Box Office link in BIO. Tickets are also available from the BMI Library Box Office.

In conversation with Anthea Hodgson - Wednesday 17 June at 6pm   Hodgson Australian Author Anthea will be in conversatio...
30/05/2026

In conversation with Anthea Hodgson - Wednesday 17 June at 6pm Hodgson Australian Author

Anthea will be in conversation with fellow author, AJ Lyndon talking about Anthea's new book 'The Palace of Lost Virtue'

Blending real historical events with beautifully written fiction, the novel shines a light on overlooked chapters of Australian history.

Marigold is a devout Christian working with her mother to save the local women from a life dedicated to s*x work. Pansy is one of those s*x workers and the owner of Pansy Arlington’s Palace of Pleasure. When the women’s paths cross, what ensues is an extraordinary friendship, a shocking murder trial and a history that gives voice to the lives of the remarkable women who lived and died in the goldfields.

Set in Kalgoorlie between 1898 and 1926, this intimate story of female friendship is drawn from Western Australia’s dark past and real history. Inspired by the real-life murders of policemen Alexander Pitman and John Walsh, this novel threads a brutal act of violence through its narrative. As the investigation unfolds, questions of guilt, justice and truth become increasingly blurred.

Find out more go to our Talks webpage link in BIO to get tickets go to our Box Office link in BIO. Tickets are also available from the BMI Library Box Office.

30/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week 2026 | “All In” 🖤💛❤️

At BRMC, we believe reconciliation is everyone’s responsibility. This National Reconciliation Week, we stand “All In” for truth, respect, understanding, and stronger relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all Australians.

Reconciliation starts with listening, learning, and walking together toward a more inclusive future for all communities. 🌿

Join us in reflecting on how we can all play a part in creating meaningful change.

30/05/2026

Coming to BMI soon. We would love to see you there. For more go to our Live Music link in BIO.

29/05/2026

Coming to BMI soon…. Live Music link in BIO

Royal South Street Society will once again be filling the corridors and stair wells with music and activitiy. Why not su...
29/05/2026

Royal South Street Society will once again be filling the corridors and stair wells with music and activitiy.

Why not support these rising young stars. Don't miss: Celebrating Chopin on Sunday 21 June | The Vocal Championship Challenge on Saturday 27 June and the Herald Sun Aria Semi-Final on Monday 29 June. Tickets are only $10 and will be available at the door.

We would love to see you there. Find out more go to our Live Music Link in BIO.

Address

117-119 Sturt Street
Ballarat, VIC
3350

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 3pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 9:30am - 12pm

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