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.
Vintage Videogames Coming Soon
From February, Games Lab Presented by Big Ant Studios will be showcasing six playable vintage videogames including the first VFL/AFL game ever created, Aussie Rules Footy (1991), and International Cricket (1992), where players can bat, bowl and field to their pixelated heart’s content
Also featured are Flight of the Amazon Queen (1995), The Dame Was Loaded (1995), Shadowrun (1993) and Xena: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (1999). Find and play them in The Story of the Moving Image.
Exhibition highlights
Take the exhibition home
Collect your favourite objects in the exhibition with your Lens and explore your personal collection online anytime, anywhere.
Plan your visit
Read our COVIDSafe visitor guidelines, information on accessibility, amenities, transport, dining options and more.
Stories & Ideas from the exhibition
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.
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