ACMI
Melbourne, Australia; Federation Square, Flinders Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
ACMI takes a familiar part of daily life and makes it worth examining. Film, television and games become subjects for exploration rather than simply things to watch, with The Story of the Moving Image providing the main introduction. Objects, screen material and interactive elements connect creative decisions to the experiences audiences recognise. Give yourself time to participate. A display about sound or an opportunity to examine a screen-making technique can be more revealing when you engage with it than when you hurry past. The free Lens device allows visitors to collect material during the exhibition and continue exploring it afterwards, extending the visit beyond the gallery. The institution's changing programme includes screenings, talks and exhibitions with separate booking arrangements, so distinguish these from the free central exhibition. Check current access information and any relaxed or interpreted sessions if those would make the visit more useful. Federation Square places ACMI within an easy central route, but the subject deserves more than a quick stop between landmarks. Its strength is making the craft and cultural significance of moving images accessible to visitors with very different levels of specialist knowledge, including those whose starting point is simply a favourite film or game.