ACMI, formerly known as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, is a free museum for everything above movies, television and video games. Easy to find in Federation Square. So interesting to wander and see how movies are made as well as props from movies and television shows. Loved the section on animation. Grab a disc to collect information that you can view later about what you experienced. Definitely worth a short or long detour to ACMI. read more

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We were walking around Melbourne and checking out it without a real purpose and saw a sign saying that entrance was free. You only had to pay extra if you wanted to experience the exhibit they have running at the time, which would probably be worth it. It seems to be a rotating exhibit. The free part was about the moving picture over the years. When you go in they give you this little disk that had a unique code and probably an nfc chip so you can tap it at each exhibit you liked to "collect" it and go to a website later and vote so the things you saw once again. This really makes you want to check more exhibits out and go all around. I think I connected 45 because at the end they have a spot to check how many exhibits you collected. They even had a station where you could create your own flip book. You would stand in front of a screen which would record you mongering for 3-5 seconds and then at the gift shop you could see the flip book and but it if you wanted. My wife and I both bought ours.. a more personalized souvenir. At the end they have a few kiosks where you can tap your cats to donate and we did that because this is definitely an experience that is worth staying around. I ain't it must get really busy on the weekends, but during the day in a weekend, it was the right amount of busy. I would definitely check it out and kids would love it. read more

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The Story of the Moving Image Museum is interactive & unforgettable. We grabbed the Lens, a free handheld device and held it against logos & art. We moved through spaces demonstrating the history of the moving image from shadow puppets, to huge 8 mm cameras, to today. We saw editing, costumes, special effects, immersive realities, video game creations, entities,.... Ending with smart phones and everybody documenting their own lives. The gift shop, theater & cafe were creative & very well done. This is where all the teenagers are playing & could easily spend the entire day here. There was no admission charge. This museum was not Australian specific, it presented a general overview of the moving image. read more

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A very unique AND free museum located right in Federation Square in Melbourne's CBD. Variety of exhibitions is what gets this place 5 stars. History of film, specifics of film-making, animation, video games, television, modern art.....there's a little something for everyone young and old. Allot at least 2 hours to see everything. Or spend as much time as you can and be overwhelmed. They also provide for free a nice data saving medium that looks like a view master disc so you can follow-up your visit with detailed reading of the info. I think this place is a must see since there really aren't too many museums that are so comprehensive. read more

I was exploring when I met a friendly worker. We got into a fun chat straight away and since it was early. I had the entire exhibit to myself for a good 20 minutes before others started to trickle in. I was admiring the Tomb Raider life size figurine at the entrance when I looked up and realized the exhibit was all about TV & movies. I wasn't aware I was exploring and wandering around the Australian Centre for Moving Images. I found the exhibit to be well thought out and fun for any age. There were some interactive stations but I really liked how they captured a good timeline of it all. From silent movies and the equipment used back then to how moving images are created today with Green screens and CGI. I enjoyed my visit and also the friendly workers. Glad I decided to explore the area. Mel M Yelp 20:55 read more

I planned to come here as a surprise to my sister because she loves alice in wonderland. Check-in was easy enough and we were able to check in our bags too. The exhibit itself was fairly interesting and some parts were interactive. They had a lot of facts and trivia about the book, the author, and also the various films throughout the years. It was a fun experience. We were able to have our own tea party and experience the tea party like in the movies. After that we made our own coat of arms, which we cut and glued and then we took a picture of ourselves with our coat of arms and our face popped up on the screen. It was cute and my sister and I spent about 2 hours there. Overall, I would come back if they had another interesting exhibit going on. read more

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - Cinema Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Free Museum! This place is wonderful! It's a museum dedicated to movies, TV, and any kind of moving image. This seems to be THE place to get your info on Aussie movies! They had Crocodile Dundee's hat, Mad Max's car- it was awesome! It's a great trip through history, even if you're not into pop culture. They had info on the evolution of the technology of the moving image, from stereoscopes to flip books. When I went, they were having a temporary exhibition on video games, where they showed how games have evolved over time, the addition of new technologies, and how they work, and lots of options to get to play the games for yourself. They had a display on Minecraft, where I got laughed at by a bunch of school kids for getting killed trying to defend myself with a map. The place worked out to be like an arcade, but all free video games where you learn about how they work. They had info on how the games are made, and how the graphics work using triangles to craft Lara Craft's curves. There's a gift shop upstairs from this place, which had a bunch of books and novelties and stuff, but seemed to be missing opportunities for the video game art and stuff. The museum is located in a really interesting looking building located right on the square. read more

Now that I am into arts and thoroughly enjoy museums I can say I enjoyed this one heaps. It's right across Flinders Station and close to the Yarra River. They are currently doing an Alice in Wonderland exhibit. I went to see the Screen Worlds which was a permanent and free exhibit at the ground floor and it gave me a lot of information about the evolution of film. I enjoyed it and didnt notice the time. I will go back for the other exhibits some other day. Best to have at least 1.5 hours to be able to fully appreciate an exhibit. The staff were awesome and so helpful. read more

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - Cinema Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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I'm gonna give this place 4 stars because I love movies and have great interest in learning how the magic happens behind the camera or digital pens, CGI and whatever. We went to see the DreamWorks Animation last week and I have to say that I had a great time. From the hilarious KungFu Panda to the ever-popular Shrek, the awesome wow How To Train Your Dragon and the fun and 'I like to move it move it' Madagascar plus many more; it's a great opportunity to watch learn how Po, Shrek, Fiona and the other characters that we love so much were born. The exhibition is a celebration of over 20 years of DreamWorks animation and features over 400 items such as concept drawings, original artworks, interviews and interactive displays. Seriously guys, it's worth a visit so make sure you have a look if you haven't been yet. The Dragon Flight experience was the highlight of the arvo for us. You go into a room and they've set it up so that it feels like you're sitting on Toothless on the screen and you basically fly over Berk. It's pretty cool when it starts because they've made it so that the screen is blank and the scenery, people, landscape is drawn as you fly over. It was wicked! Tickets are about $24 I think so it's alright. Oh I love Toothless............ read more

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The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is one of the better museums that Melbourne has on offer. It is located right on Fed Square, just across the road from Hosiers Lane and nestled in amongst the impressive postmodern architecture. Their website describes their story as follows: "A unique institution at the heart of Melbourne's iconic meeting place, Federation Square, the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) celebrates, explores and promotes the cultural and creative richness of the moving image in all its forms - film, television and digital culture." I have mainly experience the exhibitions that change quite frequently. One of which was a free exhibition that told through a range of short videos Australia's love affair with travelling and the Kombi camper vans. The other exhibition that I remember quite vividly was a video games one that offered you the chance to explore its history and also play a large number of classic games. You never know really what to expect from ACMI, so my advice would be to check it out if you are new to Melbourne or alternatively if you haven't been in a while. read more

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - Cinema Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This establishment at Federation Square is out of this world. A museum where staff wear the weirdest space like uniforms, with a freakish and matrix like energy as you enter. High tech and designed for those who are into Star Wars and the like. Speaking about Star Wars; an exhibition on Star Wars (Star Voyager) is on at ACMI right now. This is an establishment where the weird and wonderful films of yesterday in particular are seen on screen; we are talking films about cults to name. I find the energy a little too heavy handed here, although it is an innovative establishment and designed for quality entertainment for those who are into space age technology to name. The moving image is captivating; and thus this establishment is fulfilling this purpose. Access to the SBS is through ACMI. We are also talking about intergalactic television which has piqued my interest somewhat; as well as talks on the role of women in space exploration. Digital arts has a home and appreciation at this establishment simultaneously. There is something here for the art and science types; although you did not have to ace these subjects for your VCE to appreciate what this establishment has to and can offer locals and visitors to Melbourne alike. read more

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - Cinema Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

We happened to be walking nearby when we saw banners for an exhibit of Aardman Animations! So we went in and spent the next 4 hours enthralled with Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep and all other things Aardman!!! The exhibit was spread over many rooms, ending with a room where you can create your own claymation mini-movie! The only thing I could fault was that the gift shop didn't have enough Wallace and Gromit swag. Loved it!!! read more

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Check out the Hollywood Costume exhibition at ACMI, open daily until 18 August 2013. Buy tickets online to avoid the possibility of a queue on the weekend. Highlights for me included the dress Marilyn Monroe's wore in Seven Year Itch, think of that iconic scene as she stood over a NY subway grate, and the 'little black dress' designed for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. read more

Very enjoyable and well worth a visit. Make sure to check reviews of the paid exhibitions beforehand though. The one I went to (about film and outer space) was pretty disappointing. That said, the rest of the Centre is extremely well done, with entertaining, interactive and very interesting displays throughout. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're a kid again and on a really, really cool field trip. I was impressed. read more

If you're a film buff, you should already be familiar with ACMI and their programming. ACMI has a varied and eclectic range of film programs that run throughout the year such as spotlights on international regions or 'freaky friday' cult classics. Now if only they could do something about those seats. I went to ACMI during MIFF and a girl in the same row was hanging around at the end, insisting to her friends that she wouldn't be sitting down until the last minute. Within 5 minutes I knew exactly why. I don't think it's normal to sit in a theatre and lose feeling in your legs that quickly. So do come for the movies - but be warned - your tailbone will suffer in ways you wouldn't imagine. Maybe stick to shorter films or amazing ones that will distract you from the loss of blood flow! read more

Such a fun and free* thing to do! I was so happy as a tourist to wander around this place. Got to see some costumes and props from great gatsby and moulin rouge, a treat as I love Baz! The gift shop here wasn't huge but had a lot of things I wanted (surprisingly!) well curated. read more

Fantastic exhibitions, all for free! Entry is not on flinders street, rather around the back in Federation square. The current installation by Candice Breitz called 'Character' is amazing. She creates a character profile of Meryl Streep and Jac Nicholson through snippets of their dialogue from all their movies on multiple screens. Plus an interesting twin comparison and more. Also there at the moment is a work by the genius behind Samson and Delilah. read more

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image is a government initiative concerned with the exhibition and preservation of Australian and international cinema. Located at the iconic Federation Square, ACMI has two state of the art cinemas (the best in Melbourne in terms of their technical quality) that are open to the public for general sessions and also provide a home base for several of Melbourne's film festivals. ACMI also has a number of museum/exhibition spaces (most of which are free entry) that showcase video art and film installations, as well as artefacts from all aspects of the history of cinema. There is always something of interest for kids as well, such as the permanent 'Screenworlds' exhibition that has a heap of fun hands on activities. ACMI has one of Australia's largest film archives, so is a brilliant educational resource. It also offers a variety of short film related courses and seminars. read more

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - Cinema Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

Get off your bums people and get some culture into you! Apart from the Place Cinema which also plays movies you would not find in your mainstream cinema, ACMI is the best cinema in Melbourne, hands down to see films that those other cinemas don't want you to see. When you see a movie at ACMI all of a sudden your intellect will grow and you will have some great dinner party conversation. "Oh did you see the movie about the camera man who followed a street artist around town". Says one man in a snooty voice. This could be you talking about the movie "Exit through the gift shop" at your next soiree. read more

ACMI is bloody awesome. You can't say a bad word about the place. Every city should have one (except you'd have to call it something else of course). This place celebrates the moving image in all its forms. I love cinema (that's what posh folk call movies) and ACMI facilitates this love by bringing out and showing films that matter. They have no kind of ethos in terms of style and genre etc, so you get a real insight here into the world of cinema and its many niches. I've seen union documentaries, remastered classics, music doc's and new releases here and the cinemas themselves are some of the more comfy around and they sport world-class sound and projection technology. They also have exhibition spaces here and along with their running historical sort of stuff, they show amazing collections of movie paraphernalia, props and memorabilia from Kubrick to Burton and beyond. Seriously, this is an incredible resource and all Australians should be encouraged to to get into it. Do it. read more

Melbourne is definitely queer and it doesn't get any stranger than this. They have a Museum specifically dedicated to moving images! Just the idea and concept was enthralling enough for me to check it out. It's actually been 50-100+ years of moving cinema and this museum is a great tribute to films, tv, new media and art. The high tech galleries are fascinating and I liked seeing the latest tech and computer games and glimpsing a bit of the future. The ACMI is located at Fed Square and although most of the museum is free to browse, there is a nominal charge for film screenings and special exhibitions. Why doesn't Sydney have a museum like this? Awarding the fifth star, simply for being the first in the world! read more

If you are into independent film, cinema as an art form and both the history and the future of that kind of technology, you will love ACMI. If you are not into all these things, then its abit weird and you may find youself wondering why you are watching a bunch of short films about combie vans. I personally like what they do here, because I find it interesting and sometimes they have some great exhibitions. Im personally most interested in the history of film, and the development of special effects, and the way film has made its way in the world from silent movies to the block busters of today. If you are interested in these things, its worth a visit. And its easy enough to skip through what you are not interested in, which in my case is the really weird films that to me have no point, or are a bit to abstract for their own good. The staff are very helpful if you have any questions, and are very knowlegdable on their subject matter. it is a little disconcerting talkig to people when they look like they stepped straight off the set of a sci fi movie, but thats neither here nor there. My recommendation is - go and visit. Decide for yourself whether ths is your thing or not. read more

Australian Centre for the Moving Image - Cinema Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

First time here today for the Scorsese exhibition. Very impressed. Nice spaces here. The exhibition itself was great. Full of fascinating information which was excellently presented. I went to the same thing in NYC once, in Queens. ACMI compares very well, I think. I'm even getting used to the weirdness that is Federation Square, which while still a bit of a hotch potch is developing a sort of homely feel. Curious. I liked ACMI very much, and I'll be back. read more

Exhibition at ACMI at the moment is Julian Rosefeldt "Manifesto" which is a series of short movies based on art manifestos which are read out by actors in the style of a film director of the same era. They are complex and intriguing. Cate Blanchett "stars" in some and they are extraordinary. I am returning tomorrow to see more of this free delight. Also another exhibition starts very soon by Daniel Crooks who creates a seamless journey through a composite landscape reality. I saw another of his videos at NGV about the back streets of Fitzroy so I am really looking forward to this one. read more

I really enjoyed exploring the ACMI while I was backpacking through Melbourne. The building itself was stunning, interesting and beautiful. The exhibits showcased there as well were all extremely entertaining and intriguing - I easily went there to spend whole days checking it out, and even went more than once. Definitely a fun FREE experience for anyone interested in the subject of moving images, or in exploring what the city of Melbourne has to offer! read more

Really awesome free exhibits! Even as a non-film buff, my husband and I had fun checking everything out. We learned a lot, and barely made it through two rooms in the hour and a half we spend in there. Definitely worth a stop! read more

One of my favorite discoveries in Melbourne. This interactive museum is at least 2 hours of entertainment for FREE!! With really cool displays like a matrix film pod and old school video games to play on a big screen this place is a must. I've already taken quite a few friends there and they've been impressed. read more

I'm not one for museums, but this one was interactive and fun. The matrix photo booth kept us entertained for at least an hour. And the projector light room was pretty cool too. read more

Really enjoyed this place. Great free entertainment plus they had a really wonderful exhibition on music videos (charged) currently running which I would highly recommend. read more

Whenever I'm in melbourne I come here. So interesting. This time I'm here for #miff the melbourne film fest. The cinema is lovely!

I was under impression that the museum was free, but the only free exhibit was the one on the history of the moving image (which was, admittedly, excellent, but I can't quite get over my disappointment at how pricey the featured exhibits were). read more