Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation 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.
Featured exhibits
Six new playable games
This showcase demonstrates the range of ways that independent game developers approach light and lighting in their work. From the quaint, risograph-inspired colour palette of Nuts or the nostalgic glow of The Gardens Between to the warm, analogue bloom of 70s-inspired space puzzle game Heavenly Bodies, light primes us emotionally for how to encounter these game worlds.
Placing commercial hits like the shadowplay-inspired indie classic Limbo and Seumas McNally Grand Prize-winning Umurangi Generation alongside self-published artistic games like Ian Maclarty’s perspective-bending The Catacombs of Solaris Revisited, this showcase explores the way that contemporary game developers approach light as both a subject and material of their work.
Thor: Love and Thunder costumes
Super Hero fans of all ages can get up close and personal with suits, garments and instruments worn and wielded by Thor, Mighty Thor, Valkyrie, Gorr and Zeus – featured in the God of Thunder’s latest cosmic journey of heroism and self-discovery.
Witness the might of Mjölnir and Stormbreaker, the voltage of Zeus’ lightning bolt, Valkyrie’s kingly wares, Gorr’s ghoulish threads, and Thor’s beautiful raw silk tunic embellished with Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist Otis Carey’s print.
Costume designer Mayes Rubeo worked in collaboration with a stellar creative team – many of whom worked together on other Marvel Cinematic Universe projects and even Star Wars – including the director of photography, production and set designers and hair and makeup to design these iconic looks.
More exhibition highlights
Take the exhibition home
Collect your favourite objects in the exhibition with your Lens and explore your personal collection online anytime, anywhere.
ACMI Shop
Browse a curated range of screen culture publications, curiosities and branded merchandise. Every purchase supports your museum of screen culture.
Located on the Ground Floor at ACMI, Fed Square, Flinders Street.
Food & Drink
As well as great coffee and snacks, our restaurant, cafe an bar in the heart of Fed Square features a seasonally driven menu developed by acclaimed Melbourne chef Karen Martini.
Support your museum of screen culture
Help us preserve and safeguard the ACMI collection for future generations. Make a tax-deductible donation of $2 or more to support our 2022 Annual Appeal.
Not an ACMI Member yet?
Experience ACMI in the very best way. Get a range of discounts and invitations to exclusive previews.
Go even deeper
The Story of the Moving Image online experience
Discover how screen culture has shaped who we are, how we see ourselves and how the world sees us.
We welcome visitors with all kinds of access needs
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