Teatro alla Scala 2026

Teatro alla Scala, Milan

Inaugurated on 3 August 1778, Teatro alla Scala was designed by the neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini and takes its name from the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, on whose site it was built. For nearly 250 years it has been the reference stage of Italian opera: Rossini, Verdi and Puccini all premiered works here, and its resident orchestra, chorus and ballet company remain among the most closely watched in the world.

Renovations in 1907 and again in 2004 brought the historic hall to its present capacity of about 2,030. The season traditionally opens on 7 December, the feast of Sant'Ambrogio, Milan's patron saint.

Auditorium and seating

The horseshoe auditorium rises from the platea (stalls) through six levels: four tiers of palchi (boxes) and, above them, the first and second gallery — the loggione, home of the theatre's famously demanding connoisseurs. Sightlines from side boxes and the upper galleries vary considerably, so the per-performance seating plan is the reference.

Getting there

The theatre faces Piazza della Scala, linked to Piazza del Duomo by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The closest metro stations are Montenapoleone (M3), about 120 m away, Duomo (M1/M3), a five-minute walk, and Cordusio (M1). Tram 1 stops on Via Manzoni beside the theatre.

FAQ

When does the opera season begin? On 7 December each year, Milan's feast of Sant'Ambrogio — the opening night is a fixture of the Italian cultural calendar.

Can La Scala be visited outside performances? The adjoining Museo Teatrale alla Scala gives access to the theatre's collections and, schedule permitting, views into the auditorium.

How many spectators does the hall hold? About 2,030 after the 2004 restoration, across stalls, four tiers of boxes and two galleries.