RMIT University – The Capitol – Reimagined
September 1, 2019
Commercial Upholstery Solutions (Vic) is proud to be part of the renovation of this iconic landmark of Melbourne. CUS VIC supplied all upholstery solutions for The Capitol renovation. Since reopened to public in June 2019, The Capitol warmly embraced by Melbourne’s creative community. Commercial Upholstery Solutions (Vic) yet again delivered the superior quality solutions for seatings, acoustic panel and metal works. Contact us now for your next project.
About The Capitol
“The best cinema that was ever built or is ever likely to be built”
– Robyn Boyd, renowned Australian architect and RMIT alumnus.
1924 – 2014
For ninety years The Capitol was known as Melbourne’s most beloved cinema and one of its most treasured architectural icons.
Designed by celebrated architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the 1924 venue originally known as the Capitol Theatre is considered to be one of their finest interior design works.
The Capitol’s renowned Chicago Gothic-architectural style features intricate lead-lighting details, elaborate salons, a richly decorative carpet motif in orange, carmine and green, and a spectacular geometric ceiling designed to evoke a crystalline cave.
With the rise of the multiplex in the 1980s The Capitol fell into disrepair and was purchased by RMIT in 1999. By day it was used as a conference theatre for the University and at night it housed some Melbourne’s favourite festivals. By 2014, the building closed to the public, awaiting a substantial renovation.
“A new media hub in old media setting.”
– Professor Paul Gough, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University
2019 –
In June 2019 the iconic theatre was reopned with a new name – The Capitol – and a visionary transformation.
RMIT and Six Degrees Architects have reimagined The Capitol as a contemporary destination for culture, education and innovation, and lovingly restored many of the theatre’s original features.
The Capitol now offers cinema, video, new digital media, VR, AR, gaming, video art and animation. There is an extended stage to host live talks and lectures, a 7.1 Dolby sound system, 4K laser digital projection, coffee and wine bars, and direct link to RMIT’s Media Precinct, enabling remote broadcasting capabilities.
It will continue to inspire and delight patrons as it has for almost a centenary, but The Capitol is now equipped to educate, collaborate and connect with the future of Melbourne’s creative community.
Welcome back to The Capitol. We hope you will enjoy discovering the rich history and sensational reimagining of the treasured Melbourne landmark.
