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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Provocations: Is It Too Late to Save the Internet?

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 06 May 2026

It's time to debate the pros and cons of the internet as it rapidly speeds us toward an unpredictable future.

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Dervla McTiernan and Benjamin Stevenson: Blood on the Page

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 09 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Two of Australia's most thrilling crime writers come together to discuss their latest books and what compels us about these darkly addictive tales of murder, mystery and twisted motives.

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Genki Kawamura: One Hundred Flowers

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 09 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Japanese author Genki Kawamura (If Cats Disappeared from the World) makes his Melbourne Writers Festival debut in celebration of his affirming new novel, One Hundred Flowers.

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Maria Reva: Endling

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 10 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Join Maria Reva as she sits down to discuss her thrilling Booker Prize-longlisted debut, Endling.

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Ariana Reines in Conversation

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 10 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Poet, playwright, performing artist and translator Ariana Reines is one of the most electrifying voices in modern American poetry.

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Mythical Retellings

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 10 May 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

What drives our fascination with the myths and legends of the past? What can they tell us about ourselves? And what happens when we reframe ancient tales through contemporary understandings of race, gender, sexuality and class?

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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