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An early 20th century black and white photograph of the interior of a theatre with ornate curtains concealing the screen.
Exterior black and white photograph c1955 of the theatre building.
Empty seats inside a theatre with geometric ceiling lit up by multi-coloured lights. Mo

The Capitol

Marion Mahoney Griffin & Walter Burley Griffin 1924, Six Degrees Architects 2019

Description

The Capitol is a cinema in the heart of Melbourne dating back to 1924. One of Melbourne's original 'big three' cinemas and an architectural icon, the building is an important example of the Griffin's commercial architectural work and a significant cultural building in Melbourne's art 'spine'.

Renowned Australian architect and RMIT alumnus Robin Boyd described it as “the best cinema that was ever built or is ever likely to be built”. It was refurbished and upgraded by RMIT University and Six Degrees Architects in 2019.

What's On

Tours of the building will highlight its history and contemporary functionality, through social history tours led by RMIT Venues Manager Marc Morel and architectural tours led by Six Degrees.

Images: (1) Interior of the Capitol Theatre Swanston Street, showing the stage and curtain. Photo: Lyle Fowler circa 1955. (2) Paramount's Capitol Theatre. Photo: Lyle Fowler 1937-39. (3) The Capitol auditorium. Photo: Marc Morel.

Important Details

Time & Date

Sunday 30 July
Open access 9.30am-4pm

Architectural tours with Six Degrees architects run 10.30am, 12pm + 1.30pm
Social History tours with RMIT run 11.15am, 12.45pm + 2.15pm
Running for 30 minutes in groups of 30
No bookings required

Meet at the theatre foyer.

ACCESSIBILITY

Accessible bathroom, Elevator access, Partially wheelchair accessible

Location

113 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

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