Capitol Cinemas

We are inspired by the once upon a time “Capitol Theaters” which was built back in the 1930’s. This Italian Renaissance design of the theater was designed by “P. Rogers Cooke” and the actual building only started getting built when architect, P. Rogers Cooke, returned from England on 14 December 1930.

It was gracefully opened by Prime Minister General “J.B.M. Hertzog” (whom was the prime minister of South Africa at that time) on 8 September 1931 with a golden key and 1500 Members of the public present.

A remarkable feature was the Entrance Foyer and the Grand Foyer. These also gave access to the Orchestra stalls. These Foyers stood 200 feet tall in length.

The Grand staircase led from the Foyer to the wide promenade for use during intermissions for the serving of refreshments. The Aisle dividing the loge seats of the dress circle and the upper circle could be access from the two corridors of the mezzanine promenade.

Another stunning feature of the Capitol Theatre was the “Wurlitzer” organ that was controlled from inside the orchestra pit and set behind latticed screens on both sides of the proscenium arch.

In 1950 it was discussed to demolish the theater to make room for a larger auditorium. On 1 March 1955 the Theatre was sold to Transvaal Province Administration.

The government considered demolishing it to make way for skyscrapers which would then form the western facade of Church Square. The Admin offices were built next to the theatre giving it the modern facade.

Part of the Capitol property was sold to the De Nederlandsche Bank for $200 circa in 1960. Sadly, when Multiplex (Movie Theater) cinemas were starting to be implemented in the late 1970s, the Capitol Theatre was then closed-off to the public. On 26 October 1974, 2242 Seats, 14 Statues and projecting equipment was auctioned off by Volks Auctioneers.

“Die Burger” (Newspaper) wrote an article stating that it has then become a drive-inn theatre. In 1985 it became a museum. Restorations began on the facade of the building in January 1987 and on 17 August 1988 the theatre lived once again for one night only.

In 1994 the theatre was considered a location for parliament and in December 2007 it was converted into a restaurant and gay nightclub, called Legends.

What is left of this historical building was converted into a parking garage several years ago. Much of the building is still intact and serves as a nostalgic reminder of the beautiful events held at this Atmospheric style cinema.