Subscribe
Language:
English

Choose a Time Out City

Choose a Time Out Market

Melbourne

  1. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, exterior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  2. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, interior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  3. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, interior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  4. ACMI Foley room reopening 2021
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath/Supplied
    PreviousNext
    /9
  5. Two people on the ACMI staircase, with an ACMI sign in the foreground
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  6. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, interior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  7. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, interior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  8. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, interior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9
  9. Australian Centre for the Moving Image, interior
    Photograph: Shannon McGrath
    PreviousNext
    /9

ACMI - Australian Centre for the Moving Image

There's always something eye-opening to find at Australia's national museum of TV, film, games, art and digital culture
  • Museums
  • Melbourne
Rebecca Russo
Written by Rebecca Russo
Former Editor of Time Out Melbourne
Advertising

Time Out says

ACMI is much more than meets the eye. Sure, it's home to Australia's largest moving image collection and the fascinating and fun The Story of the Moving Image permanent exhibition. But there's also cinemas, student labs and educational spaces, a media preservation lab, plus a hospitality offering from Karen Martini. 

ACMI reopened after a massive facelift in early 2021 and now boasts a swanky new architect-designed space with new and improved exhibitions, facilities, artworks and displays as well as some of the most incredible, cutting-edge technologies we’ve ever seen in a Melbourne museum.

RECOMMENDED: Read our interview with ACMI CEO Katrina Sedgwick following the reopening.

Got a couple of hours to kill? Head to The Story of the Moving Image (which is a revamped version of the old Screen Worlds exhibit) where you can check out a collection of costumes, cameras, TikTok clips, contemporary art and everything in between. It's a brilliant look into different forms of the moving image that span decades, countries and platforms. And yes, you can play video games for free. 

ACMI is free to enter but events and screenings are usually ticketed. Check out the website for current exhibits and film schedules. 

Details

Address
Federation Square
Cnr Swanston & Flinders Sts
Melbourne
3000
Transport:
Nearby stations: Flinders Street

What’s on

Play School: Come and Play!

There’s something special about sitting your kids down to watch the same show that you and and your parents did, decades ago. Believe it or not, Play School has been captivating little eyes since 1966 and ACMI is giving you the chance to come and explore the set brought to life, for free.  You can explore the Play School: Come and Play! exhibition at ACMI in Federation Square now until July 12. The perfect outing for two- to five-year-olds, little ones have the chance to check out the Rocket Clock, meet Big Ted, Jemima and Humpty Dumpty, sing songs and learn.  Kids can play presenter, camera operator or director – whatever tickles their fancy. The exhibition also includes Auslan translations throughout, with sensory-friendly, Auslan and audio-described sessions available. Plus, a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes and even hear from hosts like Leah Vandenberg and childhood experts in the Play School Talks series throughout April, June and September. Ready to come inside? Tickets to Play School: Come and Play! are free but make sure you book your spot here. Catch the exhibition at ACMI from 10am to 5pm until July 12.
  • Exhibitions
Advertising
Latest news
    Back to Top

    About us

    Contact us

    Time Out products

    Site map
    © 2026 Time Out England Limited and affiliated companies owned by Time Out Group Plc. All rights reserved. Time Out is a registered trademark of Time Out Digital Limited.