Nickelodeons and vaudeville shows were the rage during the 1900s and 1910s while short motion pictures were shown in small, storefront theatres. That dramatically changed with the advent of the movie palace. The trend for building luxurious, atmospheric and often fanciful venues peaked in the late 1920s. Melbourne’s State Theatre – which opened in 1929 – is a classic example. Architect John Eberson’s design is Moorish Revival. The façade has a minaret-style tower, statues of mythical creatures and 161 foot cooper dome. Inside, audiences were awed by the Greek and Roman statuary, mosaics and columns plus the sky-like ceiling canopying the huge stage and plush seating for 3,371 people. Since an extensive remodeling in 2017, the Forum Theatre features concerts, comedy and dance performances.
