La Scala 🇮🇹

Step into history at La Scala, officially known as Teatro alla Scala, one of the world's leading opera and ballet theatres located in Milan, Italy. Inaugurated in 1778 with Antonio Salieri’s opera Europa riconosciuta, this iconic neoclassical venue sits on the site of a former church and has hosted legendary operatic artists from across the globe. Today, it remains home to world-class chorus, ballet, and orchestral ensembles.

When you visit, explore the Museo Teatrale alla Scala accessible right from the foyer. Inside, you can examine a rich collection of paintings, draft sketches, statues, historical documents, and stage costumes that showcase the history of opera. Take in the grandeur of the auditorium, which features 1,987 seats equipped with modern electronic libretto monitors displaying translations in English, Italian, and the original performance language.

You can also glance up toward the high loggione gallery, famous for housing Milan's most passionate and intensely critical opera aficionados. Whether you are admiring its historic architecture, touring the museum collection, or attending a performance, La Scala offers an unforgettable glimpse into Italy's rich performing arts heritage.

What to see at La Scala

• The Museo Teatrale alla Scala, featuring paintings, costumes, and historical music documents
• The 1,987-seat auditorium equipped with English electronic libretto monitors
• The historic loggione gallery, home to famously passionate opera aficionados
• A rich heritage dating back to its 1778 inauguration with Antonio Salieri's premiere

Visiting tips

Note that all performances at La Scala must end before midnight, so longer operas start earlier in the evening.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Evening

How to get there & what’s nearby

La Scala is easy to reach on Milan’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Milan Cathedral. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Milan travel guide.