ACMI

Art museum · Melbourne ·

ACMI

Art museum · Melbourne ·

Explore film, TV, video games, digital art & storytelling.

Information

Federation Square, Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Get directions

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

10 Best Museums in Melbourne | Condé Nast Traveler

"The ACMI 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." - Carrie Hutchinson

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-museums-in-melbourne

ACMI

@cntraveler

42,481 Postcards · 5,683 Cities

Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia - Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"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

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/melbourne/australian-centre-for-the-moving-image

ACMI

evelyn N.

Google

I came here because of games & moving images whatever (it was paid)(we went to the free one instead) and I left with a full heart & mayhaps a little tear… it got so beautiful & philosophical while being so so simple, just good old storytelling doing the work. I’m talking about the hall from mass medias to social media video cut-to-cuts to the palm projection video of memories. Other than the storytelling philosophical aspect, the other stuff was amazing. The rotating cup animation, the art collecting system that also recommends similar media you can explore later. It’s such a fresh take on the usual, oftentimes boring & static display of museums. Yet it’s not some empty interactive space, flashy buttons for the kiddies. It’s just so good you shouldn’t miss it! [also as a graphic designer, I can’t help but notice the wayfinding icons. They’re nice & consistent. It looks like a design studio/someone who knew design worked on it. Turns out it’s their in-house team!]

Sarah-Jayne Beecham (.

Google

This place is a must see while on holiday. They have free and paid exhibits. What I REALLY loved were these cardboard discs we were given for free at the entrance. You scan the cardboard discs to each informative piece of art within the exhibit and it saves it onto the code embedded into the disc. You can then take this disc home, login on their website and view everything you scanned for free. This reduced the need to photograph what you wanted to remember, and also encouraged our young kids to scan things and be more interactive with the exhibits.

Lora O.

Google

To be fair the free part of the museum deserves 6 stars. However, upon arrival, we approached the reception/information desk and the person there greeted us cheerfully. I was alone with my child. He asked us whether we would like to explore the Games exhibition since it was absolutely amazing. Yes, of course, we wanted to. Unfortunately, while the exhibition was rather ok, it was definitely not worth the high price. The worst part? 1/3 of the games presented in the paid exhibition were in fact also available for free in the upper floor (G level). Why the reception did not clarify that some of the games (the exact same games with the same names) were in fact available to enjoy in the free part of the museum… This being said, the free part of the museum is by far the best museum we have visited so far in whole Australia (and we have already visited 11 different cities). I would definitely visit this museum again, but would never bother paying for an exhibition there.

Kishore D.

Google

ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) is one of Melbourne’s most interesting and engaging cultural spaces, especially if you’re interested in film, television, games, and digital media. Located at Federation Square, it’s easy to access and fits well into a day of exploring the CBD. The exhibitions are modern, interactive, and well curated. They cover a wide range of topics, from the history of film and television to contemporary digital storytelling and gaming. The displays are visually engaging and easy to follow, making the experience enjoyable even if you’re not deeply familiar with the subject matter. One of the biggest strengths of ACMI is how hands-on it is. There are plenty of interactive sections where you can experiment, watch clips, and explore behind-the-scenes aspects of media production. This makes it especially fun for solo visitors, as you can move at your own pace without feeling rushed. The main exhibition is free, which adds great value, while paid exhibitions are usually well worth it for the depth and quality they offer. The space is clean, well designed, and not overwhelming, even during busier times. Overall, ACMI is a must-visit if you enjoy creative, digital, or pop culture experiences. It’s educational without feeling heavy and fun without being superficial. Whether you spend 30 minutes or a few hours, it’s a rewarding stop and a great example of Melbourne’s cultural side.

Shiba

Google

Amazing pop culture place. Lots of cool stuff from famous movies and games. The place was very neat with special places for games and movies. I really enjoyed the interactive activities that we got to do. The museum had also a free place that you could explore. I would defiantly recommend this place!

Brad E.

Google

A really cool museum! They give you a card when you walk in that allows you the ability to download any information on any exhibit in the museum. When you get home you can pull up all the cool stuff you saw and liked during your visit. Really neat touch that brings a piece of the museum home with you. Definitely recommend, great exhibits with some cool interactive stations. Plan to stay a while looking around.

Edrea P.

Google

Visiting ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) in Melbourne was an immersive and inspiring experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by how beautifully the museum blends art, technology, and storytelling. The permanent exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image, took me on a journey through the evolution of film, television, video games, and digital culture. Interactive displays encouraged me to engage directly with the material — I could edit a short film, step into iconic movie scenes, and even create my own stop-motion animation. Every section was thoughtfully curated, showcasing how moving images shape the way we see ourselves and the world. Beyond the exhibits, ACMI’s atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. The staff were knowledgeable and clearly passionate about what they do, happy to share insights or recommend hidden gems within the museum. The design of the space itself — sleek, modern, and filled with light — made it easy to lose track of time wandering through its galleries. I finished my visit with a coffee at the café and a browse through the gift shop, which offered clever film-themed merchandise and local art. Overall, ACMI felt like more than just a museum — it was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the power of storytelling in all its forms.

Jasper L.

Google

The BEST museum I’ve ever been. Being a millennial, all these things here are our memories also the corner stone of the future. So much fun, so many interactions, by tapping the card you even can collect or watch those artwork at home. A lot of technology been applicate on the exhibition and doing very well! I just wish I had more time to the others exhibition. Because the free one already amazing.