RMIT’s iconic Capitol Theatre has been officially reopened today after a massive transformation delivering a valuable cultural asset back to Melbourne and the people of Victoria.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today officially opened the majestic National Trust listed building.
The Labor Government contributed $2.5 million for the $24.5 million restoration project which was completed by Hutchinson Builders and Six Degrees Architects.
As an education hub, The Capitol will facilitate a variety of work-integrated-learning, workshops, presentations and showcase experiences for students across RMIT’s vocational, tertiary and research programs. These opportunities will contribute to their skills-development in real-world, professional environments.
Constructed in 1924, The Capitol is the largest civic work executed by internationally renowned American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin.
The Australian Centre for Moving Image (ACMI) will also present a range of festivals and events until mid-2020, during ACMI’s own refurbishment. It is anticipated The Capitol will host more than 500 sessions and over 100,000 visitors during that time.
The project includes the redevelopment of the fly tower behind the stage which expands the use of the theatre beyond film screenings to include new media, theatre and conference presentations.
The 574-seat capacity theatre’s unique features include a geometric ceiling design with a complex hidden lighting system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“The Capitol is an asset for RMIT University and its students, and also for the people of Melbourne.”
“RMIT students will have access to high quality training in a unique environment so they can develop skills in real-world professional settings.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020