Hire The Opera House
With its stunning architecture, The Opera House is a remarkable performance space that oozes antique charm and drama.
This magnificent 100-year-old venue can host a variety of events, from ballet and classical performances to gigs and theatre. It’s also Wellington’s home of comedy. The theatre’s stage is a unique choice for formal dinners and programme launches.
The Opera House auditorium boasts spectacular original features including a proscenium arch, domed ceiling, and raked stage. With a lavish interior, The Opera House is an unforgettable venue for any event.
Book the Dress Circle Foyer for intimate entertaining. Your guests will ascend The Opera House’s marble staircase to the stunning first-floor space. Its hand-painted La Scala-inspired ceilings open to an intimate balcony overlooking Te Aro Park.
Only a short walk from Courtenay Place and Cuba Street, The Opera House offers something special for events in the heart of Wellington.
Please note, as a historic theatre, there is no lift to the Gallery and Dress Circle. Wheelchair access is only available for the Stalls.
Contact us
If you’d like to know more about venue options or organise a visit, get in touch with the Venues Wellington Sales Team.
Contact Venues Wellington
Rooms and spaces
Auditorium
The three-tier auditorium and stage evoke a spectacular sense of occasion. The domed ceiling’s excellent acoustics enhance any show in this much-loved venue, whether comedy, opera or classical performance.
The stunning architecture, lit with soft ambient lighting, creates an atmosphere of intrigue and delight.
Put the spotlight on keynote speakers for conferences or product launches — seating 1,381, The Opera House offers direct sightlines for everyone in the audience.
Or, create a dramatic setting for your awards presentation or gala dinner by hosting directly on the spacious stage of The Opera House. At 400m2 the stage comfortably accommodates 130 diners with room for additional staging, dance floor and live musical entertainment.
Dress Circle Foyer
Located on the Opera House’s first floor, the Dress Circle Foyer offers additional open space for events in the auditorium, and can also play host to smaller events. Climb The Opera House’s original marble staircase to discover the Dress Circle Foyer’s classically-inspired sculpted plaster ceilings, which add instant charm to any performance.
An open-air balcony overlooking the bustling Dixon Street and Te Aro Park makes for charming summertime entertaining.
Adjoining the Dress Circle Foyer is the Balcony Suite, a private setting suitable for board meetings or hosting before and after shows.
Layout and capacity
|
Auditorium |
Dress Circle Foyer |
Floor area (m²) |
- |
89 |
Stage area (m²) |
400 |
- |
Theatre |
1,381 |
80 |
Performance |
1,381, seated |
- |
Classroom |
- |
60 |
Cocktail |
130, onstage |
120 |
Banquet |
130, onstage |
50 |
Downloads
The Opera House fact sheet [PDF, 1.1 MB]