RMIT's historical buildings

Designed by celebrated architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin, the 1924 Chicago Gothic-style theatre is considered their greatest interior design work. With its spectacular lighting design, elaborate foyers and intricate crystalline ceiling, The Capitol is also one of Melbourne’s most beloved architectural icons. Recently restored, The Capitol is now a contemporary destination for culture, education and innovation.

First built as the Hibernian Hall in 1887, the building was an important symbol of social and political protest. It was remodelled as the iconic Storey Hall in 1995, when it received an ultra-modern extension featuring geometric-shaped windows and tiles. The powerful purple and green colours recall the hall's earlier life as a place for feminist debate.

Often referred to simply as Emily Mac, this spreading, low-level, 1920s building was originally home to the College of Domestic Economy. It now houses our Graduate School of Business. The Emily McPherson College is a symbol of the influence of the domestic economy movement in Victoria in the early twentieth century.

Built in 1887 as the Working Men's College, this heritage building is named after Francis Ormond, the grazier, philanthropist, politician and college founder who helped fund its construction. The three storey brick structure is faced with Barrabool stone with Waurn Ponds dressings. Architect Percy Oakden taught at the Working Men's College.

This gaol is the notorious site of bushranger Ned Kelly’s hanging in 1880. It is part of a bluestone building complex that includes the Gatehouse, Courtyard and Chapel. The section of the gaol owned by RMIT includes the entrance block and chapel, both of which are notable for their restrained design. This section of the gaol dates back to the 1860s.

This 19th century building was once the home of the Ancient Order of Foresters, distinguished by its Latin motto and emblem of two foresters aside a shield on its balustrade. It was bought from the Foresters in 1969 for the RMIT Student Union.

The site of the Supreme Court of Victoria from 1843-1910, the original structure on Russell and La Trobe Streets was demolished in 1910. The current courthouse was opened in 1914 by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne and designed in a 'Norman Romanesque revival' style. It was constructed entirely of Australian materials - yellow Moorabool stone and Batesford limestone from a quarry on the Moorabool River near Geelong, and Gippsland marble and local timbers.

Built in 1907, this impressive Romanesque-style building was once the transition point between freedom or prison for people awaiting trial in the adjoining Magistrates’ Court. The facility was used until the closure of the old Magistrates' Court building in 1994. All fixtures and fittings, including the graffiti, are as they were left in 1994. The National Trust took over responsibility for the building and RMIT bought it in 1997.