The Opera House

The Opera House is a heritage theatre at 111-113 Manners Street, Te Aro, Wellington, a short walk from Courtenay Place and Cuba Street.

History

It opened in 1914 as the Grand Opera House, following two earlier timber theatres on the site that were destroyed by fire (1878 and 1886). At the time its stage was among the largest in Australasia. The building was restored in 1977 and seismically strengthened in 2016. It is a Category I historic place, notable for the plasterwork in its foyer featuring Australian eucalypts, New Zealand wildflowers and English roses.

Capacity and spaces

The three-tier auditorium seats 1,381 for theatre-style events, with direct sightlines. The stage area is about 400 m² and can host a seated dinner for 130. The Dress Circle Foyer (89 m²) holds up to 120 for cocktails or 50 for a banquet.

Events

Beyond ballet, classical performance, theatre and comedy, the venue is used for conferences, product launches, awards and galas. Street parking and Metlink bus stops are nearby.

See also Wellington venues.