The Story of the Moving Image

ACMI presents The Story of the Moving Image.

Journey through the past present and future of the moving image with interactive experiences 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 ACMI.

The Story of the Moving Image is open 364 days a year is completely free and offers deep interactive and immersive experiences to visitors of all ages.

Melbourne's "best" FREE exhibition by a country mile!
Highly recommended.

Open daily | 10am - 5pm
Gallery 1 Ground Floor - ACMI Fed Square
FREE entry