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.

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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 / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 23 Jan 2026 - 16 May 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. 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 / 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.

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Capitol Theatre Orchestra followed by The Sound of Music, 1965 (G)

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 17 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Step into the vibrant world of the 1920s with almost an hour of mesmerising jazz performed by the twelve-piece Capitol Theatre Orchestra. Feel the rhythm and energy of foot-tapping classics in the splendid Art Deco surroundings.

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Jimmy Wales: Founder of Wikipedia

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 20 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

RMIT University in partnership with The Wheeler Centre presents Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia, for a powerful conversation about the erosion of trust in governments, mainstream media and online sources.

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Mick Herron: Slough House and Slow Horses

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 21 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

RMIT University in partnership with The Wheeler Centre present an unmissable event for Slow Horses fans, with writer Mick Herron unveiling the next instalment in his phenomenally successful Slough House series.

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Banff Mountain Film Festival 2026

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 22 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Presented by World Expeditions, the 2026 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings a thrilling three-hour showcase of award-winning short films featuring climbers, skiers, riders, paddlers and explorers. Expect breathtaking cinematography, gripping stories and heart-pounding action from the world's wildest places.

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Amitav Ghosh in Conversation

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 27 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Celebrated writer and thinker Amitav Ghosh explores rebirth, regeneration and the cycles of life in this in-conversation about his newest novel.

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The Epically Awesome Odyssey with R. A. Spratt

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 08 Jul 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

In partnership with The Wheeler Centre, RMIT University proudly supports author R. A. Spratt for an afternoon of myths, jokes and mayhem as she reads from her new book The Epically Awesome Odyssey.

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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.

Visit

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Address

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

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Find out more

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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