The Capitol, RMIT
Add to ItineraryDescription
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 Marion Mahoney Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin's commercial architectural work, and a significant cultural building in Melbourne's arts 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
There will be open building access and social history tours with RMIT.
2pm - A special presentation by the Theatre Organ Association of Australia in support of our 100th anniversary and the ongoing campaign to return The Capitol's theatre organ!
Featuring: The Dandenong ranges Hot Jazz Orchestra, a selection of historic films featuring The Capitol organ and its renowned organists Horace Weber, Newell Alton, and other treasures highlighting the history of accompanied silent film in Cinema
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. (4) Interior of the Capitol Theatre Swanston Street, showing the stage and curtain. Photo: Lyle Fowler circa 1955.
Important Details
Time & Date
Sunday 28 July
Open access 9.30am-4pm
Tours run 11.15am, 12.45pm + 2.15pm
Running for 30 minutes in groups of 50
Presentation by the Theatre Organ Association of Australia 2pm
Running for 30 minutes with a capacity of 550
No bookings required. Tour group capacity is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
ACCESSIBILITY
Partially wheelchair accessible, Accessible bathroom, Elevator access
Not all areas of the venue are wheelchair accessible, and tours will be designed to maximise accessibility.
Location
113 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000
