ACMI occupies one of the two main buildings in Federation Square and is dedicated to film, television, video games, and digital culture. The permanent exhibition, called The Story of the Moving Image, traces the history of screen culture from early cinema through to interactive digital art, with hands-on exhibits and immersive environments that work well for visitors of all ages.
The cinema screens archive and contemporary Australian film as well as international retrospectives; the programming is thoughtful and the theatres are comfortable. Temporary exhibitions cover everything from major film directors to game design to music videos. Entry to the galleries is free during general hours; cinema tickets are separate. ACMI is one of the better free museums in Melbourne and often overlooked by visitors who think of it as a cinema rather than a cultural institution.