"Set the scene for us. This museum is dedicated to everything in Australia that's related to the screen: film, television, digital technology, video games, and art. It’s all set in a purpose-built space within Federation Square that has two cinemas. You get quite the mix of films here: some are related to the exhibitions, others are on very limited release, occasionally they’ll be part of a festival. One thing's for sure: nothing on the schedule here will be screening at the local multiplex. Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it? "Screen Worlds," the permanent exhibition, is quite unlike any other you’ve probably ever seen. The curators describe it as a biography that explores the past, present, and future of the moving image through archival footage, objects, and interactive displays. Turn the handle of the mutoscope, an early motion picture device watched by just a single person, or see the flickering footage from "The Story of the Kelly Gang," the world’s first feature film, which was made in and around Melbourne in 1906. But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits? The major exhibitions are always the draw when they roll through town, whether the focus is David Bowie, Tim Burton, or Dennis Hopper. So esteemed is the ACMI team that DreamWorks asked it to co-curate the 400 items, from concept drawings to interactive displays, that make up "DreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition," which is now touring the world. And the audience—who's here? The crowd very much depends on the big show. When the DreamWorks exhibition came to town, kids loved it; a David Bowie exhibition, meanwhile, drew music- and art-loving residents of Melbourne’s Inner North who hadn’t yet celebrated their 60th birthday. Is it easy to get around? ACMI doesn’t get too busy and offers plenty of places to stop and rest. Most of the main exhibitions have low-sensory sessions and there are descriptive tours for the visually impaired. Should we indulge in a tour? There are twice-daily guided tours of "Screen Worlds," the permanent exhibition, but you’ll probably be just as happy showing yourself around. What's the bottom line on the gift shop? Films, film books, film games, soft toys of film characters—you get the gist. We might need a snack... ACMI Cafe & Bar doubles as a candy bar for cinema-goers and a place where other Melburnians—not all of them museum visitors—stop for a drink and meal. There are beers, wines, and other alcoholic drinks, plus a food menu that changes regularly. To coincide with the world premiere of the Wonderland exhibition, the café rolled out a full list of dishes inspired by Lewis Carroll’s characters. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? Most people have an interest, however faint, in movies. And because the exhibitions offer plenty to play with, even those who are lukewarm on the subject will be entertained for a bit." - Carrie Hutchinson
