The Story of the Moving Image

Journey through the past, present and future of the moving image through interactive experiences, digital innovation and captivating stories in this unforgettable 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 have wielded light, split time and captured motion, heralding a technological revolution that continues today.

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.

Featuring ancient shadow puppets, Victorian-era magic lanterns, original cameras, iconic costumes, movie sets, sketches, clips and contemporary art, alongside playable videogames, and interactive experiences that show you how to make and assemble film scenes, create your own soundscape in a custom Foley studio, and create your own Flipbook.

These moments can be collected with the Lens, a free tool that taps and records 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, giving you a world of new discoveries to explore at home, after your visit.