The Capitol

The Capitol

This year we celebrate 100 years of architectural and cinematic wonder at The Capitol - the theatre has stood the test of time to remain a Melbourne cultural icon.

capitol-header-1440x450.jpg

Originally built in 1924, and reopened in 2019, The Capitol has a spectacular architectural and cinematic history, and is recognised as a true Melbourne icon.

What's On

sleeping-beauty-1220x732.jpg

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 30 Jan 2026 - 02 Aug 2026

Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty has arrived in Melbourne! This beloved tale is brought to life through classical dance, stunning choreography, and beautiful glow-in-the-dark costumes.

peter-pan-capitol-1220x732.jpg

Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 16 Jun 2026 - 16 Jan 2027
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Experience Peter Pan reimagined with Ballet of Lights! Six performers in illuminated costumes bring this classic story to life through dance, light, and color.

cinderella-banner-capitol-1220x732.jpg

Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 11 Jul 2026 - 12 Dec 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

After captivating audiences worldwide with Peter Pan, Ballet of Lights presents Cinderella! This classic fairy tale is reimagined in a ballet show where dancers shine in glow-in-the-dark costumes.

murder-at-the-theatre-1220x732.jpg

Murder at the Theatre

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 24 Jul 2026 - 25 Jul 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

A thrilling musical mystery where secrets unfold, suspects emerge, and every song could be your last!

fiddler-on-the-roof-ref-1220x732.jpg

Capitol Theatre Orchestra followed by a screening of "Fiddler on the Roof" (G) 1971

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 01 Aug 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Spend a Saturday at The Capitol with the Capitol Theatre Orchestra and Fiddler on the Roof. Enjoy live 1920s jazz from the twelve-piece orchestra, followed by the beloved 1971 musical film starring Topol, in Melbourne's splendid Art Deco home of classic movies and music.

first-nations-futures-1220x732.jpg

First Nations Futures

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 24 Aug 2026

In partnership with Now or Never and Yirramboi, RMIT presents First Nations Futures, a conversation exploring how new worlds are imagined into being through storytelling, visual language and acts of creative resistance. Featuring Allara Briggs Pattison, Axel Garay, April Phillips and Hayden Ryan.

cory-doctorow-1220x732.jpg

Cory Doctorow: Enshittification

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 25 Aug 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. Capitol Theatre

RMIT University is proud to partner with The Wheeler Centre and Now or Never to present acclaimed science fiction author, activist, journalist and tech critic Cory Doctorow in conversation with RMIT University's Distinguished Professor of Information Sciences, Lisa Given.

the-first-inventors.jpg

'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent' | An evening with Larissa Behrendt AO, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 15 Sep 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

To celebrate Social Sciences Week, and the research that helps us understand and shape society, RMIT University is proud to present celebrated Eualayai/Gamillaroi author, filmmaker and academic Larissa Behrendt AO, award-winning author and historian Billy Griffiths and one of Australia's leading archaeologists, Sean Ulm, as they discuss their new book 'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent.'

test-venue-hire-960x450.jpg

Venue hire

The Capitol is available to hire for screenings, performances, talks, conferences, festivals, meetings and private events.

Our spaces

The Capitol is a contemporary centre for the cultural and education industries, with a variety of flexible spaces available to innovate and enjoy.

Theatre

Equipped with a retractable cinema screen for performances and shows, as well as lectern and plug-and-play capabilities for talks, conferences and lectures.

Foyer

Flexible networking, event, and breakout space complete with a Candy Bar as well as accessible lift access and toilet facilities.

Salon

Features a built-in digital display screen, Wine Bar for drinks and snacks with optional event catering and cocktail tables.

Lounge

Able to cater small banquets and armchairs in-situ with event catering options and easy access to toilet facilities.
14

Visit

capitol-location-960x450.jpg

Address

113 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Enter via Capitol Arcade,
opposite Melbourne Town Hall

Icon/Social/Facebook
Icon/Social/Instagram

Find out more

aboriginal flag float-starttorres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures