Places unknown: The Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute

The history that surrounds us.

The Victorian Government has recently announced $109,000 in grants to support the numerous Mechanics’ Institutes across Victoria.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “All that for a couple spark plugs and lighter fluid?”. Quite rightly it’s not the modern meaning of “mechanic” which spurs the yarn a little further. Just what are these institutes?

There is a vast and rich history of Mechanics’ Institutes, which have been operating almost as long as this land has been called Australia.

The first Victorian Mechanics’ Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute established in 1839 and renamed The Melbourne Athenaeum in 1873.

The 19th century term “mechanic” means artisan or working man, a more encompassing term for its purpose.

The Mechanics’ Institute movement began in 1800 when Dr George Birkbeck of the Andersonian Institute in Scotland gave a series of lectures to local mechanics. The lectures were free and proved popular.

The institutes are harbourers of knowledge and history that aim to be as accessible as possible and considered the precursors of adult education and libraries in Victoria.

The Melbourne Mechanic’s Institute, which became the Melbourne Athenaeum, housed the city’s first official library, first art gallery, and even council meetings until the Melbourne Town Hall was built.

Mechanic’s Institutes are largely community organisations operated by local volunteers that provides and maintains a venue and facilitates community classes and events.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos said, “Mechanics’ Institutes were one of the most important social innovations of the 19th century – these grants will help their invaluable library collections remain for future generations to enjoy.”

“These grants will ensure that they can continue to serve Victorians.”

The Athenaeum continues to operate a library, theatres and shops in its original building at 188 Collins Street, Melbourne.”

So, if you’re ever wandering around Melbourne, with an itch for history, look beyond the glass panels and tram lines. You never know what you might find.  •