The Vinyl Factory's acclaimed multi-sensory exhibition explores two decades of music's influence on art, fashion and film through immersive installations and deep listening experiences at Fed Square from May to August.
Melbourne claims the title of the world’s vinyl capital, so it only makes sense that one of the most ambitious exhibitions exploring vinyl culture is heading to the city. RISING and ACMI have announced The Vinyl Factory: Reverb, a multi-sensory exhibition opening 22nd May 2026 at ACMI in Federation Square, running through the RISING festival period with an extended season until 31st August.
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Originally staged at 180 Studios in London, where it attracted over 50,000 visitors across a twice-extended season, Reverb showcases The Vinyl Factory Collection – 20 years of artistic commissions celebrating the intersection of music, art, fashion, film and social movements. Visitors will encounter major screen-based works, immersive art installations and deep listening experiences from leading 21st century artists, including Stan Douglas, Jenn Nkiru, Virgil Abloh, Kahlil Joseph, Gabriel Moses, William Kentridge, Jeremy Deller, Julianknxx, Cecilia Bengolea and Carsten Nicolai.
The exhibition traverses multiple eras and energies, from the early days of techno and house through to contemporary digital art. Highlights include Kingston’s dancehall scene, the late-80s Second Summer of Love, and a physical reconstruction of Columbia’s 30th Street Studio where Kind of Blue, Lady in Satin and Highway 61 Revisited were recorded. Interactive elements include hands-on access to Technics turntables with endlessly remixable vinyl loops, plus The Vinyl Factory’s eclectic archive featuring 100 vinyl pressings from artists including Marina Abramović, Thom Yorke and Massive Attack.
A major drawcard is The Listening Room – an acoustically optimised sanctuary for deep listening. During exhibition hours, visitors can select records and settle in. After hours, the space transforms into an intimate programmed setting with one-off sessions from RISING artists, curated by Triple R’s Yasmine Sharaf. These exclusive after-hours sessions are strictly limited to 50 listeners per event, with the lineup to be announced alongside the full RISING programme in March.
“Reverb captures the force of music as a cultural engine – how it shapes movements, identity and lasting communities,” said RISING Artistic Director Hannah Fox. “Partnering with ACMI extends RISING’s practice of moving beyond the stage to create new encounters between artists and audiences.”
Presale opens 17th February for RISING subscribers, with general on sale beginning 16th March. The full RISING programme, including detailed Listening Room sessions, will be revealed in March.
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