The St James Theatre has been recognised by New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category I building of outstanding cultural and historical significance and is considered one of the finest lyric theatres in Australasia.
The main entrance of the venue is via Courtenay Place.
Due to its lavishly decorated public room and auditorium with a domed ceiling, circle, marble staircase and grand circle together with two tiers of boxes, The Opera House is an icon of early 1900s architecture.