Australian Centre for the Moving Image (Melbourne CBD)

Stories that transport you. Ideas that transform you. Immerse yourself in the world of film, television and digital culture at the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI).

ACMI celebrates, explores and promotes the cultural and creative richness of the moving image in all its forms - film, television and digital culture.

Through a vibrant calendar of award-winning Australian and international exhibitions, films, festivals, live events, creative workshops, education programs and Collection resources, ACMI provides diverse audiences with unsurpassed ways to engage with the moving image.

The Story of the Moving Image
The centrepiece is a free permanent exhibition "The Story of the Moving Image". Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories. From the first projections and optical illusions to the birth of film and beyond, moving images have the power to spark imagination, share stories and shape history. Discover how inventors, innovators and artists at the turn of the 20th century wielded light, split time and captured motion, heralding a technological revolution that continues today.

Featuring ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns, original cameras, iconic costumes, movie sets, sketches, clips and contemporary art, The Story of the Moving Image traverses time, countries and cultures in a mesmerising exploration of an art form that changed the world and illuminated our collective humanity.

Five distinct sections frame the major moments in moving image history, including the origins and future of cinema, production design and the creative process, Australian culture and stories, the rise of videogames, and how screens inform, influence and empower us.

These stages come to life through interactive experiences that let you animate shadows, craft optical toys, experiment with time, assemble film scenes and create soundscapes in a custom Foley studio.

These moments can be collected with the Lens, a free tool that collects your favourite objects, artworks and creations in the exhibition. It also animates the Constellation, connecting what you collected to the cosmos of screen content outside Australian Centre for the Moving Image.

Vintage Videogames
Showcases six playable vintage videogames including the first VFL/AFL game ever created, Aussie Rules Footy (1991), and International Cricket (1992), where players can bat, bowl and field to their pixelated heart's content. Also featured are Flight of the Amazon Queen (1995), The Dame Was Loaded (1995), Shadowrun (1993) and Xena: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (1999). Find and play them in The Story of the Moving Image.

Whats On Calendar

Cinemas
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is home to film festivals and curated seasons of movies.

Opening Hours:

12-5pm weekdays | 10am - 5pm weekends (except Christmas Day)

Cost:

The main exhibition area is free.