La Scala -officially Teatro alla Scala- is one of the most iconic monuments in Milan with its prestigious opera, ballet and concert performances. The historical theater opened its doors on August 3, 1778.
Acknowledged as one of the finest opera theaters around the world, La Scala welcomes year after year the most famous opera singers, the world’s greatest conductors and top ballet performers.
La Scala’s season opens every year on December 7. The date coincides with Saint Ambrose’s celebration, the feast day of Milan’s saint patron. December 7 is a must-attend among socialites in Milan and is definitely the most prestigious event of the year in Italy’s capital of finance. On that evening, Milan mayor then presents the Ambrogino d’oro, a medal awarded to outstanding figures of the city.
A major tourist destination for Milan
But La Scala is also a top asset for tourists visiting Milan. “We welcome some 500,000 spectators in a year for some 230 performances. From that number, 30% are foreigners with US visitors being the most important. And we are proud that 30% of our public are under 35 years old. Our museum is indeed the second most visited in Milan, just after the Duomo [cathedral],” describes Francesca Agus, Marketing Director at La Scala.
The theater is also a major contributor to Milan’s economy. It employs over 900 employees, which comprises not only the choir, the orchestra and the ballet, but also the technicians, and the administration. La Scala budget tops €129 million, of which about one-third comes from public subsidies, one-third from patronage, and one-third from ticket sales.
For travelers to Milan another highlight proposed by La Scala beside the visit of the museum and the theater is a tour of the workshops and the backstage of every performance. “They are located all across Milan which is an excellent opportunity for tourists to discover our town. And also see artists, craftmen and creators working and designing decor or our costumes. Workshops’ visit are however only available on a booking tour,” adds Agus.
The booking tour is run by specialized guides in cooperation with the heads of the workshop departments. The journey goes through all the Pavilions, ending in Pavilion 36 where it is occasionally possible to organize concerts, conferences and exhibitions.
For the amateurs of classical music and performances, La Scala 2025/2026 season comprises :
