Things to Do in Milano
Inside the Teatro alla Scala
Milano’s world-famous opera house
One of the most notable cultural destinations in Milano is the Teatro alla Scala — or La Scala for short. It is highly regarded as one of the most prestigious opera and ballet theatres in the world, with a luxuriously decorated interior. Aside from being home to eponymous chorus, ballet, and orchestra companies, La Scala also has an associate school that provides professional training in the fine arts. Also associated with the famous opera house is the museum, which houses exhibitions and historical artifacts related to La Scala.
Opened in 1778, La Scala was built to replace the Teatro Regio Ducale which was destroyed by a fire several years earlier. The inaugural performance was an opera by Antonio Salieri called L’Europa Ricuta. Today, the opera season begins on December 7, the feast day in honor of Milano’s patron saint known as Festa di Sant’Ambrogio. A full calendar of events is published seasonally by the theatre, which also includes concerts, ballets, and other live performances. The theatre itself has since been renovated many times, notably after damage from bombings in World War II, and more recently in the early 2000s.
The Teatro alla Scala is housed near The Galleria and The Duomo, in the heart of Milano. Tourists can visit all three destinations in a single afternoon, with many public transportation options available nearby. Those interested in spending extended time exploring what the theatre district has to offer can plan to visit the museum during the day and then attend a live performance on many evenings. Regardless of what you choose explore at La Scala, the beauty of the two-century old institution and its world class performances will leave a lasting impression.
Good to Know
- Teatro alla Scala publishes a seasonal calendar of events, so you are able to plan to attend a specific performance months in advance.
- While performances take place year-round, most operas are in December, starting on Festa di Sant’Ambrogio.
- The cost to attend events at La Scala will vary greatly depending on the performance and location of the seats, but prices begin around €10 and can climb as high as €250 or more.
- The ticket office is regularly open during the day and in the evenings prior to performances. However, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance online when possible.
- La Scala is located in the city center and easily accessible, near The Galleria and The Duomo, making the area a prime tourist destination.
