Situated adjacent to the original Auckland synagogue of 1868, Ryder occupies the original Jewish building dating back to 1914. It is spacious and airy with views of historic Albert Park.

The modernist street frontage was an addition in 1948 by civic architect Albert Goldwater. The building became a theatre after 1968 when the Jewish community moved to Grey’s Ave elsewhere in central Auckland. In the years immediately preceding Ryder’s opening in 1999, the space was occupied by Noel Lane Architects.

The Ryder fitout was designed by architects Sue Hillary and Andrew Greenslade with additional design input by Tulia Wilson, Carin Wilson and Greg Murrell. Lighting design was by Peter Cvejn.