© Teatro alla Scala
© Teatro alla Scala
© Teatro alla Scala
© Teatro alla Scala
© Teatro alla Scala
© Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala (La Scala Theatre), Milan - Centre
One of the world's most renowned opera houses in the world
La Scala is one of the most important opera theatres in the globe, where many of the most famous operas were premiered. It now stages concerts, recitals and cultural events as well as ballet and opera.
La Scala Theatre takes its name from Santa Maria della Scala, a church built in 1381 that occupied the same site. The theatre as it now stands was designed by the great neoclassical architect, Giuseppe Piemarini. It was inaugurated in 1778 with an opera by Antonio Salieri and has since premiered some of the great works of Verdi, Bellini and Puccini.
La Scala has an enormous stage, a seating capacity of 2,015 in its grandiose auditorium and arguably some of the best acoustics of any opera house in the world. From the early 1800s, the theatre also included ballet in its repertoire of artistic performances.
There is a theatrical museum and library attached to the opera house which provides a taste of the opulent world of the theatre and an in-depth look at La Scala's opera though the ages, as well as a general overview of Italian theatrical history. From the museum, it is possible to stand in boxes 13, 15 and 18 to gain a glimpse of the splendid auditorium.
Visitor comments
- "We visited La Scala as part of a tour so it was excellent to have a guide who could talk about history and show us the important things. There was a rehearsal in the opera house which we were able to listen to for a short while which was great. You can visit at our own pace without a tour too." - Trip Advisor
- "Beautiful interior, helpful and nice stuff. I arrived 15 mins prior to the show and got a really nice upgrade (got a box to myself with a separate cloakroom). The performance took my breath away." - Trip Advisor
- "We were lucky enough after touring the building and seeing all the lovely portraits and other artifacts to be able to watch a "rehearsal". I feel honored to have been there." - Trip Advisor
When to come
The museum is open every day from 09:00 to 17:30 (last entrance at 17:00). Closed on 25 & 26 December, 7 & 31 December in the afternoon, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 15 August.
How to get passes
You can book tickets for La Scala performances online.
Tickets for the museum cost €7. Reduced to €5 for groups, over 65s and students. Reduced to €3 for schools. Free for under 12s and disabled. The audioguide costs €7.
