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What to see
The most famous opera house in the world: how to get tickets for a performance and how to see the auditorium even without attending an opera.
From the suite: M1 red line from Lima to Duomo, then a 5-minute walk through the Galleria
Time needed: 1 hour for the museum
Season: opens every year on 7 December, the feast of Sant’Ambrogio
Opera, ballet and concerts: tickets are sold on the official Teatro alla Scala website and at the box office. Opening nights and the most famous operas sell out quickly, but it’s worth checking less popular dates, matinee performances and tickets released back on sale shortly before the show. Beware of unofficial resellers.
The Museo Teatrale alla Scala houses costumes, instruments and portraits of Verdi, Puccini and the great performers. When no rehearsals are under way, you can look out over the auditorium from a box in the museum: it’s the easiest way to see it in person.
Opening night, on the feast of Sant’Ambrogio, is one of the society events of the year. Even without a ticket the atmosphere in Piazza della Scala is special, and the premiere is often broadcast live at various venues around the city.
La Scala overlooks the piazza with the Leonardo monument and Palazzo Marino, Milan’s city hall. On the other side of the Galleria is the Duomo; to the north begins the Quadrilatero della Moda, Milan’s fashion district.
Stay just steps away
Mercadante Suite: two suites at Via Saverio Mercadante 10, 10 minutes from Milano Centrale station. Book on our website and pay 20% less.
