The Griffins' Capitol Theatre celebrates 100 years

A century ago, on 7 November 1924, Victoria's first large moving picture palace opened its doors with a spectacular launch. The years ensuing would see the opulent theatre draw thousands of spectators for silent film screenings. Throughout these years, the single-screen theatre has endured a volatile history, marked by threats of demolition, changes in ownership and periods of closure. Despite these challenges, the century-old theatre continues to stand as a significant landmark in Melbourne's cultural and architectural landscape.

The Capitol House, which comprises a tower and the Capitol Theatre, was designed by renowned architects Marion Mahoney Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin. The concept was highly progressive for its time as it accommodated mixed uses through the inclusion of a theatre and shops at ground level, along with a ten-storey office and residential tower above.