Visit our centrepiece exhibition, The Story of the Moving Image, in a relaxed environment.
Suited for visitors with ASD, sensory sensitivities or anyone who would benefit from a quieter and less busy setting, our relaxed visit gives you a chance to explore our incredible new exhibition in an environment that suits you.
Relaxed visits
- Adjusted sound and lighting in some exhibits to ensure less stimulation
- Reduced visitor numbers in the exhibition
- Dedicated quiet room & meltdown room.
Visits do not require a ticket. You can drop in at the following times:
Sat 29 Mar, 10am – 11:30am
Sat 26 Apr, 10am – 11:30am
Sat 31 May, 10am – 11:30am
About the exhibition
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 in The Story of the Moving Image
Exhibition highlights
Interactive experiences
Bring screen works to life with interactive displays and experiences that continue long after you’ve left the building.
Take the exhibition home
Collect your favourite objects in the exhibition with your Lens and explore your personal collection online anytime, anywhere.
ACMI Shop
A handpicked collection of clothing, gifts, books, homewares, toys and more for the film buffs, gamers and art lovers in your life.
Located on the Ground Floor at ACMI, Fed Square, Flinders Street.
Plan your visit
Visitor guidelines, information on accessibility, amenities, transport, dining options and more.
Support your museum of screen culture
Help us preserve and safeguard the ACMI collection for future generations.
Not an ACMI Member yet?
Experience ACMI in the very best way. Get a range of discounts and invitations to exclusive previews.
View six stories from this exhibition online
Discover how screen culture has shaped who we are, how we see ourselves and how the world sees us, in The Story of the Moving Image online.
Major Philanthropic Partners
Philanthropic Partner
Supporting Partners
