Capitol Theatre is a treasure tucked away in CBD
Church Square harbours many hidden treasures in its historic buildings, but one of the most surprising discoveries is the old Capitol Theatre situated off Parliament Street on the south western corner of the square.
From the street it does not look like much, but this 1930s building was described by architect and historian Albrecht Holm as reminding one of a world of magic.
The atmospheric theatre – the first in the city and only the second in South Africa – was designed in the Italian Renaissance style, similar to the Rome Capitol Theater in New York. It’s name is often misspelt as Capital.
When you enter the building, you need to close your eyes to the dereliction and imagine the time when the well-heeled of Pretoria dressed up and visited the grand old dame to watch a movie.
The 2 000-seat theatre with its balcony and ornate interior decorations, including golden columns and a roof studded with stars, was designed by architect P Roger Cooke. The building never had a façade, as it was never completed.
Read the full story on: IOL.