A visionary redevelopment, celebrating the past, present and future of screen culture in the 21st century

The project is one which is highly collaborative, not only with ACMI and Second Story but also with our own architectural team, all of which form an integral part of the design process. The ACMI Renewal involved the refreshing of its free exhibition space, the creation of smaller gallery space for rolling programmes, enhanced public spaces to encourage dwelling and capture the mind of the opportunistic visitor with offerings that extend beyond the traditional bounds of its gallery spaces.

The first floor, accessed off Federation square, will provide a new dining experience, new and modernised learning spaces, an expanded public function space, as well as a revitalised ticketing experience and public amenities. More importantly it provides a new hybrid gallery/ testing public space to create a place that allows you to interact with the museum in a more relaxed setting as well as experience test-bed projects.

One of the key aims of the project was rationalising ACMI’s difficult multi-level nature to provide a building that feels legible and cohesive, this is achieved through the biggest architectural move; driving through a large timber stair that links the two levels, providing integral visual connectivity between the two floors. This ‘Living Stair’ not only provides a visual link but it provides a place of dwell and respite, two previously uncomfortable activities.