Book a ticket to attend a performance of opera, ballet and music at the grand old Teatro alla Scala, which has been running for centuries. Today the opera house also has a museum and hosts performances almost any night of the week. Learn about Italian opera and the history of the theatre. See students walking through the grounds on the way to a class at the prestigious Academy for the Performing Arts, which is also located on this site.
The Teatro alla Scala is at the centre of Milan’s proud history of opera. Some of the most renowned opera singers came from Milan, or have come to Milan to perform on the world-famous stage. The theatre has been in action since 1778, and continues to be recognised around the world for its lavish design and excellent acoustics.
Stand outside to take in the understated neoclassical facade of the building. Inside, it’s a different story almost every inch of the interior is decorated. Mirrors line the hallways, columns are carved with elaborate decoration and a massive chandelier hangs above the audience in the hall. The auditorium seats more than 2,000 people. The design of the room means there isn’t a bad seat in the house for hearing classical music and opera. Book a seat online or from the theatre box office.
Visit the Museo Teatro alla Scala to learn about the history of opera. The museum is largely devoted to the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi, who wrote Rigoletto and La Traviata, among many other renowned operas. There are posters, costumes and set designs from hundreds of performances that have been staged here for more than a century. The museum has been here since 1913.
Take a guided tour of both the theatre and the museum. Check the website for times and ticket prices. The museum is open every day but, like most businesses in Italy, is closed for a couple of hours over lunch.
Reach the Teatro alla Scala on foot and by metro. Come by car and pay to park on the street. The theatre is a short walk from the Duomo.
