Melbourne’s Capitol Theatre is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, marking a century of architectural and cinematic history. Known for its stunning Chicago-Gothic design and its crystalline ceiling featuring dynamic lighting displays, The Capitol quickly became a cultural icon.
Originally designed by renowned architects Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin, the Swanston Street theatre first opened in 1924 as Victoria’s first extravagant “picture palace” and originally seated 2137 people.
The movie-going experience at The Capitol is elevated by the mesmerizing light displays on its crystalline ceiling. Originally, these displays were illuminated by incandescent globes in red, yellow, blue, and green, synchronized with live orchestral scores during silent films.
Today, the magic continues with a modern twist—hundreds of LED lights controlled by a sophisticated digital system recreate the same captivating visual spectacle, maintaining the theatre’s enchanting atmosphere
After a major restoration completed in 2019, The Capitol remains a vibrant space for education, culture, and entertainment, reflecting its rich legacy as a Melbourne treasure.
To celebrate The Capitol’s 100th year milestone, RMIT University, which now owns the theatre, is hosting the 100 Years Film Festival from October 13 to November 5, 2024.
The festival will showcase a lineup of timeless classics, such as The Towering Inferno (complete with a light show), The Wizard of Oz, Cabaret, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Superman, Chariots of Fire and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane.
Tickets are affordably priced at $10, giving audiences the chance to experience cinema in this historic venue. The full program and information about how to book can be found here.
