Teatro alla Scala

Teatro alla Scala, known simply as La Scala, is not just an opera house but a symbol of Italian culture and musical excellence. Located in the heart of Milan, the theater's neoclassical façade, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, belies a sumptuous interior of red velvet and gold leaf. The auditorium, shaped like a horseshoe with six tiers of boxes, creates an intimate yet grand atmosphere. Attending a performance here is a ritual: the audience, often dressed in formal attire, fills the air with anticipation before the maestro raises the baton. The theater's museum (Museo Teatrale alla Scala) offers a behind-the-scenes look with costumes, set designs, and memorabilia from legendary productions. Even without a ticket to a show, you can visit the museum and peer into the auditorium from a box. La Scala's reputation for acoustic perfection and artistic rigor makes it a pilgrimage site for opera lovers worldwide.

Don't miss

• Attend a Performance: Experience world-class opera or ballet in the legendary auditorium; book tickets well in advance.
• Museo Teatrale alla Scala: Explore a vast collection of costumes, musical instruments, and portraits of famous composers and performers.
• Peek into the Auditorium: From the museum, you can look into the theater through a box and admire the chandelier and plush seating.
• The Foyer and Boxes: Notice the intricate stuccowork and the grand staircase; guided tours often include access to the royal box.
• La Scala Shop: Browse opera recordings, librettos, and souvenirs in the official store.

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Teatro alla Scala

Cheapest way inMuseum of Senses Milan Ticket with SenseKit Included4.6★ · 466 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$26 per personSee dates →Most bookedMilan's Must See: Half-Day Tour of Last Supper, Duomo & La Scala4.2★ · 4,287 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$138 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Milan Tour with Duomo, La Scala Theatre and Sforza Castle4.9★ · 46 travelers~3 hoursFrom$383 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Dress code for performances is formal: men in suits or tuxedos, women in evening wear. No sneakers or jeans.
• Book performance tickets months ahead; they sell out quickly. Returns may be available on the day.
• Silence your phone and refrain from taking photos during performances. Photography is allowed in the museum.
• Enjoy an aperitivo at the theater's bar during intermission; it's a Milanese tradition.

A bit of history

Inaugurated on August 3, 1778, the theater replaced the earlier Teatro Regio Ducale, which burned down in 1776. It was named after the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which once stood on the site. Many of opera's greatest works premiered here, including Verdi's 'Otello' and 'Falstaff', and Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly'.