La Scala (Opera House and Museum), Milan (must see)

The La Scala Theatre Chorus, Ballet, and Orchestra make it one of the premier musical theaters worldwide. Inaugurated in 1778, the famous opera house in Milan has welcomed some of the finest singers from Italy and around the globe.

After the Teatro Regio Ducale burned down in 1776, a new theater was erected on the site of the former church of Santa Maria alla Scala, from which it derived its name. The cost of building the theater was covered by sales of theatrical boxes, which were exquisitely decorated and made a lasting impression on guests, including the prominent French author Stendhal. Soon, La Scala became a preferred gathering spot for high society. In accordance with the tradition of the time, the main floor had no chairs, and audiences had to stand to watch the shows. Additionally, the orchestra pit had yet to be constructed.

Badly damaged during World War II, La Scala underwent a complete restoration before reopening in 1946. To commemorate the occasion, Arturo Toscanini arranged an unforgettable concert featuring a sensational solo by Renata Tebaldi. From 2002 to 2004, the theater underwent a major renovation. Despite its plain facade, the La Scala interior is stunningly elegant and intimate, surpassing that of opera houses in New York and London.

Why You Should Visit:
The La Scala Orchestra, comprising 135 musicians, is one of the world's most outstanding orchestras for opera productions, known for its ability to produce a uniform and distinguished sound. The theater is also internationally acclaimed for its symphonic activities. The La Scala museum houses one of the richest and most coveted collections of music-themed artifacts worldwide. A tour of the theater provides a rare opportunity to sit in its most prominent box and take photos.

Tip:
Do not buy second-row balcony tickets unless you are quite tall.
After 6pm, same-day tickets are sold at a substantial discount.