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.

Celebrating 100 years of The Capitol
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Capitol Theatre menu

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

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Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 23 Jan 2026 - 16 May 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created 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. Get your tickets for Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show in Melbourne!

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Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created 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.

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Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 13 Feb 2026 - 21 Mar 2026

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

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Man with a Movie Camera + Live Score by Underground Lovers

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 14 Mar 2026

RMIT University proudly supports a special Castlemaine Documentary Festival film screening at RMIT's The Capitol. See Dziga Vertov's iconic 'Man With A Movie Camera' like never before, with a live score from Melbourne's legendary Underground Lovers.

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The Thing (1982) at The Capitol

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 19 Mar 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

See iconic sci-fi thriller ‘The Thing’ (1982) on the big screen at Melbourne's most spectacular cinema.

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Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2026

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 20 Mar 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

Immerse yourself in a breathtaking 3-hour journey through the world's most spectacular marine environments. The Ocean Film Festival World Tour presents an extraordinary collection of short films that capture the raw beauty, untamed power, and majesty of our oceans.

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Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 26 Mar 2026 - 19 Apr 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the three largest comedy festivals in the world, alongside Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Montreal's Just for Laughs. Held annually in Melbourne, Australia’s comedy capital, the festival features a rich mix of stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre, street performances, and more.

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Aled Jones: My Story, My Songs

Icon / Small / Calendar Created with Sketch. 09 Apr 2026
Icon / Small / Location Created with Sketch. The Capitol

The My Story, My Songs tour from Aled Jones gives fans a rare chance to get up close and personal with one of the country's most loved performers.

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Venue hire

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

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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.

Visit

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Address

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

Find out how to get here
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About

Discover the rich history of The Capitol, tracing its roots from the original 1924 design to RMIT's meticulous restoration that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern upgrades.

Venue hire

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

Visit

Find out more about venue accessibility, how to contact us and the best way to get to The Capitol.

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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