Accessibility
We welcome all visitors to our spaces and offer access services that may improve your experience in our museum.
Visual Stories
We developed Visual Stores to help anyone who may find a step-by-step visual and written access guides useful when coming to ACMI.
This easy-to-read guide uses pictures to show you how to access the ACMI building, what to expect upon arrival and what you might experience in the different spaces.
Visual Story for The Story of the Moving Image exhibition
This easy-to-read guide uses pictures to show you how to access ACMI's centrepiece exhibition and what to expect once you’re inside.
Read the Visual Story – The Story of the Moving Image exhibition (web version)
Sensory Guides
We develop Sensory Guides in collaboration with Arts Access Victoria (AAV) and Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect). We use icons to communicate accessibility information, including the services, facilities and heightened sensory experiences found at ACMI.
Entrances
ACMI has two entrances: one on Flinders Street, and the other in Fed Square.
The Flinders Street entrance is easily accessible via a wheelchair ramp. This entrance is closed outside museum opening times. To access ACMI outside these hours, enter via the Fed Square Entrance.
To get to the Fed Square entrance from the Flinders Street entrance, you can use the lifts near the end of The Atrium – to the left of Beer Deluxe – to get to the Fed Square plaza level.
The Fed Square entrance is located in the heart of Fed Square plaza, between Chocolate Buddha and Beer Deluxe. Please be aware that the Fed Square plaza is cobblestoned and may be difficult to navigate for visitors using mobility aids.
Lifts
A series of lifts (or elevators) offer access to all levels of ACMI.
Ground floor to Level 1
The Ground floor lift is located between Tickets & Information desk and the entrance to The Story of the Moving Image exhibition.
Ground to Level 1 & 2
This Ground Floor lift is located behind the stairs opposite the bathrooms. You can access it by continuing down the corridor between Tickets & Information desk and the entrance to The Story of the Moving Image exhibition. This lift grants you access to levels 1 and 2.
Ground floor to Basement
A goods lift that allows access to our underground Gallery 4 is located behind Gallery 3 and 4, via a corridor. Only in use when an exhibition is on view in Gallery 4.
Level 1 to ACMI Cinemas
There are two lifts located on Level 1. As you enter from Fed Square, one is around the corner on your right, as you pass the Tickets & Information desk and approach the stairs. If you make a hard right towards Hero at ACMI and the Level 1 toilets, you will see the lift. This is the best lift option to reach the Cinemas level (Level 2).
Level 1 to Galleries access
As you enter from Fed Square, walk past the wall of screens and seating area in front of the wall of cabinets on your left, the lift is located opposite the seating area. This lift provides access to Ground floor, the Galleries level.
Level 2 to Level 1 access
The Level 2 Lift services our cinemas. It goes down to Level 1, where you will find our restaurant and bar, Hero at ACMI; and our Labs Level. This lift also provides access to Ground floor, the Galleries level.
Toilets
Toilets are located on Ground Floor and Level 1. We have wheelchair accessible toilets and gender neutral toilets on both floors.
Baby change facilities are available near the toilets at the Flinders St (Ground floor) and Fed Square (Level 1) entrances.
Wheelchairs
If you use a wheelchair you can access all our spaces.
If you need to borrow a wheelchair for use inside our Museum, present your ID at the Tickets & Information Desk (located at Ground floor and Level 1 respectively) and we’ll organise one for you free of charge.
Mobility equipment hire
Travellers Aid, based at Flinders Street and Southern Cross stations, provides mobility equipment hire, including manual wheelchairs and motorised scooters.
To hire equipment, visit the Travellers Aid website or call 03 9068 8187.
Pre-booked equipment can be collected at Flinders Street station (across the road from Fed Square) or Southern Cross station.
Hearing loops
Free hearing devices are available for use in the ACMI Cinemas and Studios and can be borrowed on presentation of ID. Visit the Tickets & Information desks on Level 1 or Ground Floor to arrange.
The devices come with headphones or connect with hearing aids via a neck loop. You can choose what you prefer.
Guide dogs
Guide dogs and registered assistance animals are welcome throughout ACMI. But only registered animals. No pets, please!
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program
As a proud Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program partner, ACMI is supporting and raising awareness of those living with a hidden disability. Through specialised training, we are empowering our staff – both public facing and back of house – to offer respectful and discreet help to those who need it.
You are always welcome to ask for support in a way that is recognised and respected.
Companion Cards
Companion Cards, registered in Victoria and interstate, provide the carers accompanying card holders with free access to ACMI programs.
ACMI is a cashless venue
However carers are able to purchase tickets at the ticket desks with exact cash.
Events
Disability Action Plan
A crucial part of this work is ensuring Deaf and disabled people can explore our full suite of programming in inclusive, accessible and culturally safe ways.