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Opera House, Wellington

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The Opera House
State Opera House
Map
Address111 - 113 Manners Street
Wellington
New Zealand
DesignationNZHPT classification I
TypeOpera House
Capacity1361
Construction
Opened1914
ArchitectWilliam Pitt
Website
www.pwv.co.nz
Designated27-Jun-1985
Reference no.1432

The Opera House is a proscenium theatre in Wellington, New Zealand located on Manners Street opposite Te Aro Park. William Pitt, the architect, was based in Melbourne, Australia, and much of the work was overseen by local architect Albert Liddy.

Originally known as the Grand Opera House, construction began in 1911. It is a brick building, with wooden floors. In 1977, it was restored by the State Insurance company, and for many years it was known as the State Opera House. Today, it is simply 'The Opera House'.

The Opera House has three levels: stalls, circle and grand circle. It has fine moldings and an ornate dome. On either side of the proscenium arch are two boxes - arranged on top of each other.

In recent years, The Opera House was operated by the same Trust which did operate the St James Theatre - 'just up the road'.

In July 2011 Positively Wellington Venues, an integration between the Wellington Convention Centre and the St James Theatre Trust, began managing this theatre along with five other venues in the capital city.

References

  • Kernohoran, David, Wellington's Old Buildings, Victoria University Press, 1994, ISBN 0-86473-267-8 (page 131)
  • "Opera House". New Zealand Heritage List/Rārangi Kōrero. Heritage New Zealand.