Overview
There's still a good few months before the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) wraps up construction and unveils its multimillion-dollar makeover. But we've already been given a sneak peek of the new-look centre, thanks to a virtual fly-through video. We've also been told one of its star attractions will be a permanent ode to Mad Max.
Once the revamp is completed in mid-2020, ACMI will boast a roomier, light-filled interior, with schmancy technology used to create a "globally connected museum of the future". Its design comes courtesy of Melbourne firm BKK Architects, while construction company Built is heading up the build.
ACMI's also set to score a new edition of its ever-popular, permanent moving image exhibition, the result of a collaboration with experiential design studio Second Story. The free exhibition will dive deep into the history of the moving image with the help of cutting-edge technology and a range of immersive experiences. And one of the standout installations is a car that's half Mad Max Interceptor, half Bush Mechanics creation.
One side nods to the contribution Mad Max director George Miller has made to Aussie film, featuring a futuristic machine crafted by Fury Road car designer Cameron Manewell. The other was created by Melbourne production house Rebel Films and painted in the Northern Territory by Yuendumu artists Thomas Jangala Rice and Francis Jupurrula Kelly, paying homage to the 2001 reality TV series.
The Constellation
A world-first piece of technology dubbed The Lens will also make its debut here. It's a portable device that's used to collect information while moving through the exhibition, as well as offering access to a large-scale digital activation titled The Constellation. Elsewhere, you'll find spaces like the Media Preservation Lab, which gives a glimpse into ACMI's film and digital media preservation process; the Foley Room, where visitors can have a crack at creating their own soundtrack and sound effects; and the Gandel Digital Future Labs, offering a series of hands-on digital learning experiences.
While ACMI is undergoing renovations, its shows, films and exhibitions have taken up residence at the Treasury Theatre and the recently reopened Capitol Theatre. To check out its programming at the Treasure and Capitol theatres, head to the ACMI website.
ACMI is set to reopen in mid-2020.