RMIT Capitol Theatre

The design retains the intricate, geometric forms of the original building fabric within a framework of necessary and carefully executed modern interventions.

Heritage features have been restored, including the fantastic theatre ceiling, the glazed atrium ceilings, and a faithful reproduction of the chevron carpet.
The new interventions are technically complex, and introduce completely
new features: lift, kitchens, ventilation, extended stage and theatre flytower.

The new additions are clearly defined and have a crisp modern aesthetic that serves to both frame and accentuate the more ornate original building fabric. The ascent from Swanston Street into theatre is a key dramatic moment.

The Capitol is one of Melbourne’s architectural jewels, and one of 5 major picture palaces built in the 1920’s. The intricate and expressive style, typical of the Griffin-Mahoney partnership, has strong links to the Chicago School including Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright.

The restoration of this building has been followed throughout the world, as it is truly a building of world significance. The financial commitment of RMIT, donors and the State Government of Victoria has repurposed and reactivated  the building for the next 30-50 years to enable all Victorians to again experience the amazing spaces of the Capitol.

The 2019 reactivation transforms a mothballed heritage cinema into an exciting contemporary venue for teaching, cinema, art and performance.
The transformation required complex technical interventions and brings significant public and cultural benefits:

• Heritage restoration of a building of world significance
• New contemporary uses supported by new technology
• 2020 standard digital cinema and lighting installations.
• Enhanced multipurpose venue use, including expanded foyers, kitchen and bar support and expanded stage areas.
• Upgraded disabled access throughout the building and theatre.

The RMIT Capitol Theatre is an innovative adaption of an historic building that involved a complex technical upgrade within a constrained heritage context.

The technical upgrades include:

• Restoration of disused levels 2, 3 and 4 for teaching and events
• Upgraded digital AV to current cinema standards (4K) and refurbishment of the historic 35/70mm projectors.
• Full digital LED upgrade of the historic lighting system
• New backstage area including green room, fly and loading.
• High speed fibre connection to RMIT media precinct.