Collections & Preservation
Explore a vast collection of moving image material.
Our collection brings together a fascinating 75-year moving image legacy that encompasses Victoria, Australia, and the world. We present stories and objects in unique ways, spanning the conventions of traditional museums and reflecting the evolution of the moving image today.
Search the Collection
Discover the old and new, unique and nostalgic in our collection of films, TV, videogames, art and more.
For researchers
Access a wide variety of digitised works and learn more about our local and global collaborative research projects.
Commissions
Explore a suite of commissions developed in partnership with philanthropic and cultural organisations.
The Blackmagic Design Media Preservation Lab
Dedicated to preserving Australia’s analogue past while ensuring its digital present is accessible for generations to come.
Collection gems
Browse a thematic selection of weird and wonderful titles and captivating glimpses of historic moments in time.
Home movies
Visit landmarks long gone, revel in the fashions of yesteryear or just enjoy a glimpse of what life was like "back then".
Stories from the ACMI Collection
Read about the joys and challenges of collecting and preserving moving image works for our collection and beyond.
Help us preserve the moving image
Your donations go towards restoring, digitising and acquiring new works.
Explore digital and time based media artworks in our collection
Major Partner
Supporting Partner
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ACMI Collection?
The ACMI Collection contains over 200,000 items including film, ephemera, objects, videogames and time-based media art. It began in 1947 as the State Film Centre collection allowing Victorians to access film for education purposes. Since becoming part of ACMI it has diversified to include all forms of the moving image.
Is everything in the ACMI Collection available to view online?
Not yet. We’re progressively digitising items from the ACMI Collection and will make these publicly available, subject to rights holder approval.
How can I view digitised items in the ACMI Collection?
Our Collection page and the ACMI Collection YouTube channel have many digitised items available to view.
Can I view something that has not been digitised and is there a fee involved?
Requests for access to collection items are currently closed as we dedicate our resources to undertaking a review of the ACMI Collection. Access requests will re-open in the first quarter of 2025 when a range of free and paid services will be introduced. Further advice will be provided via the ACMI website at that time.
In the meantime, please visit our Collection page and the ACMI Collection YouTube channel where we have many digitised items available to view online. Additional Collection items are also available for viewing through the ACMI website when you are physically in our museum and using your device on our wi-fi.
Can I donate something to the ACMI Collection?
The ACMI Collection is not currently accepting any new donations while we complete a review of our collection.
If you have an enquiry about items previously submitted to ACMI, please contact our Registration & Collections team via the feedback and general enquires form.
Please note: our staff are unable to accept any unsolicited material delivered via post and/or in-person.
Can I use footage from the ACMI Collection in a film I'm making?
Much of the material held by ACMI is rights controlled by third parties.
You will be able to discuss your specific needs with a member of the Registration & Collections team when requests for access to the ACMI Collection re-open in the first quarter of 2025 and a range of free and paid services are introduced.
Requests are currently closed as we dedicate our resources to undertaking a review of the ACMI Collection. Further advice will be provided via the ACMI website when access requests re-open.