arete Australia was engaged by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) in 2019 to contribute to the $40 million redevelopment of its iconic museum in Federation Square, Melbourne. As the most visited museum of its kind, ACMI welcomes 1.5 million visitors annually and is recognized as one of the world’s leading institutions for film, television, video games, digital culture, and art.
The scope of the Exhibitions Experience Design fitout project included the design and construction of three key layers of work:
- Primary Works (Main Works): These permanent construction upgrades to the base building infrastructure were designed to ensure the museum's long-term operation. The enhancements covered the entire museum and all public spaces, supporting future exhibitions and programs.
- Specialised Exhibition Fitout: This layer involved the design, fabrication, and installation of exhibition joinery, metalwork, and bespoke display structures. Key components of the fitout included shopfitting, showcases, plinths, and lighting/multimedia support systems, all created with a focus on precision and quality.
- Integration and Coordination: Electrical and data integration were carefully embedded into the joinery and metalwork, with the arete team coordinating closely with other contractors to ensure seamless collaboration. Special care was taken to protect existing finishes and maintain the integrity of the museum during construction.
The project reached practical completion in June 2020, resulting in a cutting-edge exhibition space that was part of a larger revitalisation of the Federation Square cultural precinct. ACMI now stands as one of the most advanced museums of screen culture in the world, offering visitors an immersive experience in the moving image arts and arete Australia is proud to have played a pivotal role in this landmark project.
Project images by:
- Adam Gibson
- Shannon McGrath
- Garet Sobey
