In the heart of the Capitol Building is the Capitol Theatre, Singapore’s grandest and most historic theatre. Capitol Theatre is the only business in Capitol Singapore that still preserves its initial function, albeit upgraded. The Capitol Theatre of the past was one of the very few air-conditioned theatres to host live shows. Capitol Theatre dominated the Singapore movie scene for decades after it opened as the premier cinema in the country in 1929, and remains till this day primarily as a theatre and showing select blockbuster movies under Golden Village. Despite briefly being repurposed as a food depot during WWII and remaining stagnant in 17 years of neglect, it is the only recognisable landmark of Capitol Singapore by the older generation. They remember Capitol fondly by the large vertical letterings and the act of queuing up for movie tickets without knowing if they would get good seats. This parallels current theatre-goers who go to queue at the doors early for good seats.
Experience the preserved Capitol Theatre
Today, the original architectural details of Capitol Theatre are still kept intact - with a vaulted roof embellished with the 12 zodiac signs, as well as sculptures of winged horses and their riders flanking the stage.
To adapt the theatre to modern technologies, new flexible seating – Asia’s first floor rotation system – allows theatre chairs to be turned over and tucked under to cater to different seating requirements. The team also employed advanced technology such as 3D laser scanning for the remarkable and detailed replication work on missing decorative features throughout the theatre’s interiors.
Food and Beverages
PAST
Magnolia Snack Bar
The Magnolia Snack Bar by F&N Magnolia Milk was a popular hangout in the 1980s. The diner consisted of 50 seats which sported then-fashionable Formica furniture in a one-floor elongated shophouse.
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Popular amongst movie goers, the Magnolia Snack Bar served Singaporean snacks and post-movie bites which were perfect for social gatherings.
The snack bar provided free internet connection which added to the physical estrangement and irresistible allure of the bar.
Some highlights from the diner include then - fancy drinks like what they only saw on the television. Floats, milkshakes, banana splits and chocolate sundaes were a crowd favourite.
An interview with Glen Goei by The Peak recalled that the Magnolia Snack Bar gave Capitol Singapore it’s soul and life. Adding that it was a fond memory of his where he and his friends “felt very grown up” as “the youngest children were attended to by the wait staff”.
Hawker
Centres
After the URA took over urban redevelopment works in the 1970s, there was an increase in temporary resettlement centres around the area.
In light of the shops which were affected by URA’s works, a three-story shopping centre, Capitol Shopping Centre, was built for shops affected by restoration works along High Street and Hock Lam Street. This shopping centre housed 127 shops, 8 eating houses and coffee shops.
At the end of the renovations, 64 of the stalls relocated to hawker centres at Hock Lam Street, being famous amongst past theatre and movie-goers and those who worked at or visited the area.
PRESENT
1933 by
Toast Box
Capitol Building today consists of the Galleria - the dining alley. One of the most noticeable shops is 1933 by Toast Box which serves local delicacies and drinks, like any other local coffee shop.
Situated right at the entrance of Capitol Building, 1933 by Toast Box takes on a modern spin of an olden Singaporean design. With rattan chairs and blue peranakan tiles.
It also imitates what an old shophouse used to look like, with a display counter serving local bread flavours.
Services
PRESENT
Arcade
Looking for anything from shoemaking to getting a hair fix, Capitol’s Arcade is the place for you.
With the Medical Clinic, Carmina Shoemaker, Truefitt & Hill Men Grooming and the Prep Luxe Hair Salon - the Arcade is raved about by frequent visitors with these high end services.
Compared to barbers and cobblers of the past, these shops offer a high end, luxury service for consumers to engage in a self pampering session.
PAST
Bus Terminal
What was once an open air carpark was converted into a bus terminal in the 1950s. As a bus terminal for passengers who arrived from Changi Point, this bus terminal was a key memory for those who lived in the suburbs.
The key memory for anyone who frequent that area will recall the large neon advertisement tower beside Capitol Building on North Bridge Road.
The then bus terminal and carpark is what we saw as our old Capitol Centre.
Retail
PRESENT
Arcade
Now a high-end shopping street with businesses such as a wedding dress shop, shoemaker and an array of watch shops - Capitol Building is now a go to shopping destination to fulfil your luxury demands.
Some of these companies include, Trinity Gallery and The Proposal which focus on South East Asian designs, Sulwhasoo - a Korean beauty brand as well as Cortina Watch which is home to Cartier, Patek Phillippe and Frey Wille.
These luxury brands cater to a niche group of customers or anyone looking to pamper themselves - especially on their special day.
Capitol Building is a central location serving as a convenient and recognisable destination for anyone who frequents the vicinity.
PAST
Bata Shoe Organisation
Back in 1930, Capitol Building was home to the nation's first Bata Shoe store, housing not only the shop but the factory and offices as well. With the bright yellow and red sign board, accompanying the large neon advertisement, Bata's Building was hard to miss back in the day.
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Priding itself in the provision of early affordable modern footwear in Singapore, Bata was popular amongst the people then and successfully expanded their local business.
However, in 1979, Bata Building had to be demolished for Peninsula Plaza Shopping and Office Complex to be built, bidding goodbye to their home at Capitol Building.