Tucked into Swanston Street in the heart of the CBD, The Capitol Theatre is the oldest of Melbourne’s large picture palaces, reborn as one of the city’s most important cultural venues. It was restored by RMIT a century later and now, this Chicago‑Gothic landmark flickers back to life each day as both a teaching space and a stage for film screenings, festivals, concerts and live performances.
Background on The Capitol Theatre
Originally built in 1924 as a grand cinema, The Capitol is a Chicago‑Gothic‑style theatre designed by celebrated architects Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffi. It debuted with a screening of Cecil B. DeMille’s film “The Ten Commandments,” and even housed a large Wurlitzer organ to accompany screenings—Eliza, which has been restored to its former glory.
Its most striking feature is the crystalline ceiling, once illuminated by incandescent globes in red, yellow, blue and green, and now powered by a sophisticated digital matrix of hundreds of LED bulbs and data points that preserves the same mesmerising effect. In the early ’60s, proposals to demolish the theatre ignited one of Australia’s first major heritage conservation campaigns, co-led by architect and critic Robin Boyd, who famously described The Capitol as “the best cinema that was ever built or is ever likely to be built.”
What can you do at The Capitol?
The venue is used both as a public cultural venue and as a teaching space for RMIT students. You can now go to The Capitol for film screenings, panel conversations, live performances, talks and special events like Ballet of Lights. These sparkling shows match the theatre’s ceiling perfectly, as talented dancers wear glow-in-the-dark costumes and retell famous fairy tales in a new light.
12 September 2026 16:00 + more dates
19 September 2026 16:00 + more dates
2 August 2026 16:00 + more dates
14 July 2026 00:00 + more dates
Where is The Capitol and how to get there?
The Capitol is located in the heart of the CBD, directly opposite Melbourne Town Hall. The venue is easily reachable by train as both Flinders Street Station and Melbourne Central Station are only a 5-minute walk away. Additionally, a number of tram lines stop at Swanston Street and Collins Street, including routes 12, 48 and 109. For drivers, The Westin Hotel offers paid parking via Flinders Lane.
What’s on at The Capitol Theatre in Melbourne?
This summer, RMIT University is partnering up with the Australia Youth Film Festival (AUYFF) to celebrate new filmmakers. What’s more, you can find authors R. A. Spratt and Stan Grant in conversation about their new books. The theatre will also host a special screening of WINHANGANHA in celebration of NAIDOC week, and an evening of cinema with The Best Films You’ve Never Seen: Queer Edition.
Who owns The Capitol Theatre in Melbourne?
The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) currently owns the theatre and they’ve run it since 1999, running lectures during the day and hiring out to festivals on evenings and weekends. It is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in Australia. In 2019, RMIT worked with Six Degrees Architects to restore The Capitol to make significant upgrades to the building.
Is there a dress code at The Capitol Theatre?
While there is no official dress code, the theatre encourages its guests to wear something comfortable and respectful.
Nearby venues in Melbourne
Due to its central location, there are quite a few spots and important landmarks within a 5-10 minute walk of the theatre, including Chinatown Melbourne and Eight Hour Day Monument. What’s more, there are really good restaurants near The Capitol if you want to grab a post-show dinner, such as The George on Collins, Maha Restaurant and Pastuso.
