Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Museum · Milão, Lombardia
Teatro alla Scala
One of the world's most famous opera houses, opened in 1778. The Museo Teatrale presents the history of the house and, when possible, allows a peek into the auditorium from a box.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala was inaugurated in 1778, designed by architect Giuseppe Piermarini, on the site of an old church of Santa Maria della Scala, which gave the theatre its name. Premieres by Verdi, Puccini, Rossini and Bellini took place there, and the house remains a world reference for opera and ballet.
From the outside, the neoclassical façade is understated and faces the Piazza della Scala, where the statue of Leonardo da Vinci stands. Inside, the horseshoe-shaped auditorium has six tiers of boxes and galleries, in red and gold, with a large central chandelier.
The Museo Teatrale alla Scala, with its entrance beside the theatre, gathers instruments, costumes, portraits, scores and objects linked to singers and composers such as Verdi and Maria Callas. When there are no rehearsals or set assemblies, the museum route allows a view of the auditorium from a box.
To attend a performance, tickets are released well in advance through the theatre's official channel. The season traditionally opens on December 7, the feast of Saint Ambrose, patron of Milão.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 h for the museum and the peek into the auditorium.
Best time
In the morning, when the chance the auditorium is free of rehearsals is usually higher. Check in advance whether the view of the auditorium is available that day.
How to get there
Piazza della Scala, on the opposite side of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II relative to the Duomo. Metro M1 and M3, Duomo station, or M3, Montenapoleone station.
Tip
The view of the auditorium from a box depends on the rehearsal schedule. If your dream is to see the opera, look for tickets through the theatre's official channel as soon as the programme is released; there are simpler seats in the upper galleries.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Teatro alla Scala
Can you see the theater auditorium without attending a performance?
Yes, via the Museo Teatrale alla Scala. When there is no rehearsal or staging, the tour includes viewing the auditorium from a box. Confirm on the day.
How do I buy tickets for an opera?
Through the theatre's official channel, in advance. The most sought-after performances sell out quickly.
When does the season start?
Traditionally on December 7, the day of Saint Ambrose, patron of Milão.