Melbourne Rare Book Week

All stories are shaped by the documents that survive to tell them.

Founded in 1854, the Prahran Mechanics’ Institute has accumulated a collection that not only covers the history of Victoria but also contains many hidden gems. Come along and discover some of the treasures, from letters, ephemera, invitations, dance cards, petitions, plans and registers, that make up the PMIs own history and which represent its journey over the last 169 years. Learn about the items, including ephemera, the PMI is collecting today that may become tomorrow’s rarities.