top of page
Built in 1929 by the Namazies, a prominent Persian family, Capitol Theatre was designed with an Art Deco entrance corner and a vertical structure resembling an unfurling leaf, with the word ‘CAPITOL’ affixed on it.
In 1930, architectural firm Keys & Dowdeswell built the Capitol Building around the existing structure. It was designed in a Neoclassical style, similar to the Fullerton and Singapore General Hospital, which the firm had also built.
The iconic curved corner of the Capitol Building has a concave façade featuring a convex portico at the forefront. Giant billboards used to be emblazoned across the façade of this prominent corner, easily attracting the attention of passers-by.
Today, the original architectural details of Capitol Theatre are still kept intact. It boasts a revived, neon version of the iconic Art Deco entrance sign, a curved cantilevered canopy, a vaulted roof embellished with the 12 zodiac signs, and sculptures of winged horses and their riders flanking the stage.
The restoration design and concept were helmed by the celebrated New York - based architecture practice Richard Meier & Partners Architects. They worked with Singapore's architects61 on the development. One of the many highlights of the restoration is that of the theatre's interior.
Delicate work included the reinstatement of missing details and niches such as original gold gilding on the ceiling grid. Modern technology was adopted: new flexible seating, which allows theatre chairs to be turned over and tucked under for different seating requirements, as well as advanced 3D laser scanning for detailed replication work on missing decorative features.
An artist was engaged to recreate and capture the spirit of the original Persian Zodiac ceiling mural, a key feature deeply lodged in the memory of generations of cinema goers, that had deteriorated and was un-savageable after years of neglect. Similarly memorable, were the pair of ’Pegasus’ reliefs flanking the stage, that were delicately cleaned to reveal details long hidden by many coats of paint.
A destination for dining, the Internal Galleria (within Capitol Building) is a new sheltered street protected from weather by an ultra-light cable truss roof fitted with glass panels. Shade sails and planted spheres are suspended below the glass roof to manage solar heat and to recreate a space reminiscent of Singapore's historic open-air markets.
The distinctive paving arrangement of Capitol Singapore is a key in bringing together the heritage buildings with the new architecture. It was developed in response to the strong geometry of the circular plaza and canopy at the heart of the scheme. The paving is inspired from natural patterns and is arranged as a double radial grid that flows across the site.
SEE
LIVE
bottom of page