The State Cinema is a city-wide institution and is of historic significance as a rare working example of a purpose built picture theatre dating from the Federation period. It is believed to be the first Tasmanian building built specifically for the screening of moving pictures and is the only pre-1970 picture theatre to have survived in Hobart as a functioning cinema.

1913 The years prior to World War 1 saw a wave of enthusiasm for the new medium of film. Many cinemas were built in Hobart during this period including the "North Hobart Picture Palace". Constructed between 1913 -1914 the cinema was built on the former site of Badcock's Fuel Depot and was operated by Alf Channell and Edward Morris. Beginning in February 1914 there were two screenings including a matinee on Saturdays and one on Sunday night. These nights attracted considerable criticism from those fearing that the city’s youth would be led astray. Their opponents suggested that the films were educational and kept the young people off the streets where they might get up to mischief.

1921 The North Hobart Picture Palace had fluctuating fortunes. Vaudeville shows were often used to attract audiences to see films, however in 1921 the Palace was sold and the new owners changed the space for use as a billiard saloon, gymnasium and boxing arena operating under the name of the Broad B Billiard Saloon.

1935 The building re-opened once again as a cinema this time under the name of The Liberty Theatre. The floor had been lowered and the seating returned to make the Liberty "The Theatre Beautiful".

1948 Under the new ownership of Ross Holyman and Gordon Gourlay the building changed to its name to The State Theatre on August the 18th 1948. Running two or three shows a day the future seemed assured.

1974 With the advent of television audiences quickly dropped off. The theatre became uneconomic and was placed on the market once again. Despite stiff competition from firms wanting to use the building as a furniture store, the Film, Radio & Television Board of the Australia Council (now the Australian Film Institute) acquired the cinema for the express purpose of screening Australian and internationally acclaimed films.

1984 Confronted with financial constraints, the AFI decided to close the cinema. However following a public outcry, the decision was reversed and the State lived to see another day.

2002 Similar circumstances confronted the AFI once again and this time there was no option but to sell. Keen interest was expressed from large cinema organisations however the cinema was sold to a "local" to see the State continue as an independent, community based art house cinema.

At this point the cinema was at a major crossroads. A seven point development plan was instigated to give the cinema its best chance of survival. Computer systems and improved projection and sound equipment were installed.

2005 In late 2005 a major new development of the cinema foyer space began, transforming the quaint but poky lobby space into an elegant cafe bar. Just a few months later, in July 2006, a thirty seat theatrette/conference room equipped with a state-of-the-art projection and sound system was built above the cafe, opening with the documentary Ballets Russes.

2006 In November, work is completed on the front of the building, restoring the facade to its original 1920s state.

2007 On Anzac Day work begins on a third auditorium, to seat fifty. The entrance to the main auditorium was bricked up, and a hallway installed to lead into both ground floor cinemas. With a lick of paint and a few bottles of sparkling wine, the State Cinema launched into a new era, opening the new cinema two to a sell-out audience for The Italian.

2007 New cinema three is born late '07, seating 52. How did this happen? No one really knows. The State Cinema now boasts four auditoriums, with a selection of films to please even the most discerning film buff.

Planning is underway for the adjoining bookshop and lounge bar to be completed by 2009. We'd love to hear from you if you have any suggestions or requests for the next stage of development.