[3] Miller, whose wealth was derived from the lucrative Zeehan mineral field, travelled to the United States, visited major cities and studied the latest advancements in picture theatre designs.

[4] An exceptional example of the Federation Free Classical style, the building featured an iconic checkered parapet, composite order pilasters, decorative cornices, leadlight windows and wrought iron lanterns.

[note 1] From 1918 to 1920, nimbyism lead to some residents demanding the government set up a Board of Censors to protect Tasmanian audiences from the "moral decay" associated with the show business world, escalating after a screening of Enlighten Thy Daughter at The Strand in 1920.

To achieve this effect, its cornices and pilasters were chiseled back, its parapet was partially levelled, leadlight windows discarded and wrought iron features removed.

In 1978, vocalist Judith Durham of The Seekers and pianist Ron Edgeworth recorded material for their live album, The Hot Jazz Duo at the theatre.

Other musicians to record at the Odeon include Larry Sitsky, Jan Sedivka, Ade Monsbourgh, Judi Connelli, Suzanne Johnston, Guy Noble, Deborah Conway, George Dreyfus, Scared Weird Little Guys, David Porcelijn,[9] James Ledger,[10] tenor Donald Smith, composer Michael Smetanin[11] and the Australian Rosny Children's Choir.

The building remained dormant for several years until it reopened as a live entertainment venue, charged by events curated for the MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo festivals.

Initially, Riverlee planned to develop the building into a $69 million 11-story office tower accommodating some 1,850 workers, and included shops, restaurants and car parking.

[5] In later years, the pit was occasionally utilised by the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO), underscoring its adaptability for various types of live performances beyond its original cinematic function.

The console’s design was modified to a lower height and updated to emulate the popular "horseshoe style" of theatre organs while retaining the straight stop rails, though the functionality of roll players was discontinued.

[31] Following a sold-out show by Queens of the Stone Age in 2014,[32] the Odeon Theatre has served as a regular venue for prominent festivals, including MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo.

Performers at the Odeon have included Laurie Anderson, Nick Cave, Sarah Blasko, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Cate Le Bon, Sharon Van Etten, Nick Murphy, Tim Minchin, Everclear, The Tea Party, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Einstürzende Neubauten, and Xavier Rudd.

[33][34] The Odeon Theatre is also a venue for Hobart’s Festival of Voices, featuring live performances, vocal workshops, and choral presentations that attract both local and visiting participants.

[35] The venue has hosted experimental music and multimedia installations as part of MONA FOMA and Dark Mofo, known for their diverse and contemporary programming.