The Capitol

Originally built in 1924, and reopened in 2019, The Capitol has a spectacular architectural and cinematic history, and is recognised as a true Melbourne icon.

What's On

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Ballet of Lights: Peter Pan in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 16 Jun 2026 - 16 Jan 2027
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

Experience Peter Pan reimagined with Ballet of Lights! Six performers in illuminated costumes bring this classic story to life through dance, light, and color.

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Ballet of Lights: Cinderella in a Sparkling Show

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 11 Jul 2026 - 12 Dec 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

After captivating audiences worldwide with Peter Pan, Ballet of Lights presents Cinderella! This classic fairy tale is reimagined in a ballet show where dancers shine in glow-in-the-dark costumes.

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YUMI – The Whole World: The Pacific fight for climate justice

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 09 Sep 2026

RMIT University's Pacific Initiative, with the Pacific Human Rights Film Festival, invites you to an evening of conversation and film about climate justice, featuring a special screening of YUMI – The Whole World, the powerful documentary about bringing the world's most urgent issue to the world's highest court.

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Capitol Theatre Orchestra followed by a screening of Cabaret (M), 1972

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 13 Sep 2026

Enjoy approximately an hour of authentic 1920's jazz music performed by the amazing Capitol Theatre Orchestra before stepping into the dazzling, decadent world of 1930s Berlin in Cabaret (1972).

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'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent' | An evening with Larissa Behrendt AO, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 15 Sep 2026
Icon / Small / LocationCreated with Sketch. The Capitol

To celebrate Social Sciences Week, and the research that helps us understand and shape society, RMIT University is proud to present celebrated Eualayai/Gamillaroi author, filmmaker and academic Larissa Behrendt AO, award-winning author and historian Billy Griffiths and one of Australia's leading archaeologists, Sean Ulm, as they discuss their new book 'The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent.'

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AI Data Centres: Exploring the Buildings Behind the AI Boom

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 17 Sep 2026

Artificial intelligence is transforming society, powered by the data centres behind the AI boom. Join leading experts from industry, government and academia to explore how Australia can balance innovation, economic growth, energy demands, climate commitments and community expectations while shaping a responsible, sustainable digital future.

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Melbourne Fringe Opening Night Gala

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 29 Sep 2026

Beneath the glowing arches of RMIT University's iconic venue, The Capitol, the Melbourne Fringe Opening Night Gala crackles with life. A 90-minute spectacle of everything Fringe does best: bold ideas, high-voltage performances, and independent art with heat you can feel from the back row.

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Andrew O'Hagan: On Friendship

Icon / Small / CalendarCreated with Sketch. 06 Oct 2026

Acclaimed author Andrew O'Hagan joins Marieke Hardy to explore the friendships, encounters and connections that give our lives meaning.

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Venue hire

The Capitol is available to hire for screenings, performances, talks, conferences, festivals, meetings and private events.

Our spaces

The Capitol is a contemporary centre for the cultural and education industries, with a variety of flexible spaces available to innovate and enjoy.

Theatre

Equipped with a retractable cinema screen for performances and shows, as well as lectern and plug-and-play capabilities for talks, conferences and lectures.

Foyer

Flexible networking, event, and breakout space complete with a Candy Bar as well as accessible lift access and toilet facilities.

Salon

Features a built-in digital display screen, Wine Bar for drinks and snacks with optional event catering and cocktail tables.

Lounge

Able to cater small banquets and armchairs in-situ with event catering options and easy access to toilet facilities.
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Visit

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Address

113 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Enter via Capitol Arcade,
opposite Melbourne Town Hall

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Find out more

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples