Capitol Theatre

Capitol Theatre is a cinema in Melbourne's central business district featuring a striking geometric ceiling adorned with thousands of colored lights. The auditorium's overhead pattern of illuminated shapes creates the defining visual character of the space.

The theater opened in 1924 as part of the Capitol House building complex on the site. The architects designed it using innovations that combined retail spaces, entertainment, and modern construction methods of the era.

The theater represents how people in the early 1900s gathered for entertainment and social occasions. Today visitors experience the same auditorium space where audiences have watched films and performances for generations.

The venue holds 600 seats and hosts regular film screenings alongside cultural events throughout the year. Located in the heart of the city, access is straightforward for those familiar with central Melbourne destinations.

The building features a cantilevered concrete veranda that extends over the street, creating an unusual architectural detail. This design solution allows the commercial storefronts below and cinema above to function as an integrated whole.

Location: Melbourne

Inception: 1924

Architects: Walter Burley Griffin, Marion Mahony Griffin

Official opening: 1924

Capacity: 600

Address: 113 Swanston Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

GPS coordinates: -37.81540,144.96600

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:59