ACMI

ACMI has two entrances: one on Flinders Street and the other within Fed Square.

Flinders Street entrance:

• Entry is via a small staircase from Flinders Street through a revolving door into an open space. This is called the Lightwell. 
• From the Lightwell, take the large central staircase to Level 1 for the box office, the MIFF Festival Hub and the Penfolds Lounge.
• From Level 1, take the staircase on the left past the box office to Level 2 for Cinemas 1 and 2.
• For step-free/wheelchair access, take the ramp from Flinders Street through the accessible door to the left of the revolving door. This is operated by a push button with a wheelchair symbol on it.
• Head through the Lightwell foyer to the right past the Gallery entrance to an internal lift and take the lift to Level 1.
• Exit past the Penfolds Lounge and take a second internal lift next to the MIFF Festival Hub to Level 2 – cinema level.

Fed Square entrance:

• Enter Fed Square from Swanston Street and head across the open cobblestoned plaza to the ACMI entrance on the left-hand side.
• Enter through the glass doors into Level 1 for the Box Office, the MIFF Festival Hub and the Penfolds Lounge. 
• Take the staircase on the right directly after the glass doors to the cinemas on Level 2.
• For step-free/wheelchair access, take the internal lift next to the MIFF Festival Hub to the cinemas on Level 2 – cinema level.

Please see How to Book Your Ticket if you require step-free/wheelchair access at ACMI.

The cinema doors have push buttons for assisted opening. There is carpet in each cinema, and the walls are steel with inlaid lights.

To borrow a wheelchair, present ID at the Box Office on Level 1 and ACMI staff can organise one free of charge.

Please note: In 2025, all MIFF sessions at ACMI will have allocated seating. Please contact the MIFF Box Office if you require any assistance choosing the right seat for you.

Entry into ACMI 1 is from the rear of the cinema, with stairs leading down towards the front of the cinema on each side. There is a row of step-free accessible seats at the entry of the cinema, as well as two (2) wheelchair accessible spaces, each with a companion seat, on the right-hand side of the cinema. Seats in ACMI 1 are fabric, either bright red or black in a random pattern. The seats have cupholders and do not recline.

Entry into ACMI 2 is from the front of the cinema, with stairs leading up towards the back of the cinema on each side. There is a row of step free accessible seats at the entry of the cinema with two (2) wheelchair-accessible spaces and a companion seat. For step-free/wheelchair access to the rear of the cinema, there is a small internal lift on the right-hand side of the entry doors to ACMI 2. This lift must be operated by an ACMI staff member. The lift exits at the rear of the cinema where there is another row of step-free seating and one (1) additional wheelchair accessible space and companion seat. Seats in ACMI 2 are fabric, either yellow or black in a random pattern. Seats have cupholders and do not recline.

Hearing Neck Loop: ACMI is equipped with hearing neck loops for Cinemas 1 and 2. The hearing neck loop acts as a wireless connection to a personal hearing aid device equipped with a ‘T’ coil.

Assistive Listening: ACMI will also have Assistive Listening units available for collection at the MIFF Box Office. Assistive Listening units will only be available for use at specific screenings.

Audio Description: ACMI has Audio Description units available for collection at the MIFF Box Office. Audio Description is available for specific sessions listed here.

Please see How to Book Your Ticket section to book a Hearing Neck Loop, Assistive Listening or Audio Description device. You will be required to leave photo ID when borrowing a device. Please approach a MIFF staff member for assistance when you arrive at the venue. 

Bathrooms, including accessible and gender-neutral bathrooms, are located on the ground floor in the Lightwell and on Level 1, next to the entrance to the MIFF Festival Hub.

• MIFF sessions at ACMI are often busy. When both cinemas are in use, there can be over 500 people in the building.
• ACMI has a Television artwork on Level 1 in the lounge, across from the MIFF Box Office. It features a series of cycling sounds that fluctuate in pitch, accompanied by flashing, shifting images playing across 60 screens. More info here.
• The foyer and Festival Hub are dimly lit spaces. Both spaces have music playing from overhead speakers. We do not control the playlist; however, ACMI staff may be able to lower or increase the volume on request.
• There are two couches on the cinema level to the left when you arrive on Level 2 via stairs or lift. This level is often quieter; you are welcome to wait on Level 2 until you enter the cinema.
• MIFF will have a quiet space at ACMI before, during and after all Sensory Friendly Sessions. See Sensory Friendly Session times here.
• ACMI has a visual story that may be useful in planning your visit to MIFF.