1  View from the stalls of proscenium. 2  The original ticket box and entrance lobby on Swanston Street. 3  The spectacular ceiling gives a magical, crystal-like effect.
			4  The luxurious circle lounge foyer featured an Elizabethan Grand piano. On right is view of circle foyer mezzanine balcony. 5  The Capitol Theatre building facade on Swanston Street. 6  Circle foyer mezzanine lounge.
			7  Back stalls with view through a well of the foyer ceiling above. 8  Ground floor lobby. Doors on left enter to stalls, stairs up to the circle foyer. 9  Circle foyer and well.
			10  The restored entrance veranda. 11  View from entrance lobby towards Swanston Street. 12  View of entrance lobby where the original ticket box was. In centre background is existing staircase leading to the Capitol Theatre foyer. 14  Shield presented to Capitol staff, November 1950. • For further photos go to Capitol Part 2
13  Detail of the restored ceiling above the entrance lobby. For many years the original ceiling was covered.

The Capitol was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion Mahony Griffin, and was opened on 7th November 1924. The theatre and 10 storey office block above it, are registered with the Australian Heritage Commission, the National Trust and Heritage Victoria.

The two-level auditorium was converted to a single-level cinema in 1965. The present arcade is where the stalls seating used to be. The old staircases leading to the dress circle foyer were blocked off and a new staircase built to a simplified foyer upstairs.

RMIT University is the owner of The Capitol Theatre, which they purchased on 20th May 1999. RMIT use the Capitol as a lecture theatre and for conferences and also have the Theatre available for use as a cinema and theatre venue and for tours. RMIT have commenced major restoration and upgrade work at the Capitol, including restoring the upstairs foyer, installation of modern audio visual equipment, a disability access lift, and other projects. An exciting new phase in the history of the Capitol Theatre!

The public are invited to contribute towards the restoration and upgrade work by donating to the Working Capitol Fund. Details are on the Capitol website at: www.capitol.rmit.edu.au

Capitol Theatre Guided Tours

Learn about the local work of these two famous American architects and hear of RMIT University's plans for its refurbishment, and restoration of some key internal features. Trained guides will lead you, highlighting the recently re-opened foyer areas and show you the famous crystalline ceiling with its lighting display.

Tours are conducted on the THIRD Friday of the month from 10am until 3pm (Last Tour).As from October 2005, the Theatre will be closed until some time in early 2006, due to repainting of the ceiling which will be undertaken during this time.  Any tour enquiries should be directed to 9925 2415.

Meet in the foyer of the Capitol Theatre, Capitol Arcade.

The Capitol is at 113 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000, opposite the Melbourne Town Hall.

RMIT Capitol Website
Be sure to check out the website for The Capitol Theatre at www.capitol.rmit.edu.au
Their website includes some great images by John Gollings - there's over 40 photographs, with many shots behind the scenes of the fly tower, above the ceiling plaster work and concealed lighting, the opening roof mechanics, the old upstairs foyers and lots more. There's also historical information, news, tours and booking information.