Teatro alla Scala

At a glance

Teatro alla Scala facts that matter

Names, makers, dates, and context before the story opens up.

What it is	Theatre
Where	Milan, Lombardy
Known for	Giuseppe Piermarini's theatre; Rossini and Verdi repertory; opera and ballet; 1946 Toscanini reopening; Museo Teatrale alla Scala
Period	Neoclassical theatre; postwar reconstruction and 2002–2004 restoration, 1776
Maker	Giuseppe Piermarini

The story

What you're looking at

Founded in 1776 to replace Milan's Royal Ducal Theatre and opened in 1778, Teatro alla Scala is Giuseppe Piermarini's Neoclassical opera house. Its history includes major opera and ballet repertory, wartime destruction and reconstruction, and a 2002–2004 restoration. The related Museo Teatrale, founded in 1911, preserves historical collections and presents changing exhibitions.

A Milan performance institution founded to replace the fire-damaged Royal Ducal Theatre, rebuilt after the 1943 bombing and modernised in the early 2000s.

Verified details

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Teatro alla Scala was founded under Empress Maria Theresa to replace Milan's Royal Ducal Theatre, destroyed by fire in February 1776. Giuseppe Piermarini designed the new Neoclassical theatre, which opened on 3 August 1778 with Antonio Salieri's L'Europa riconosciuta.¹

The theatre takes its name from the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which stood on the building site.¹

Rossini's 1812 La pietra del paragone and Giuseppe Verdi's 1839 Oberto began major repertory chapters at La Scala; Nabucco followed there in 1842. The theatre's official history also records a parallel ballet tradition, including the work of Salvatore Viganò and Carlo Blasis.¹

Bombing reduced the Piermarini theatre to rubble on 16 August 1943. La Scala reopened on 11 May 1946 with a concert conducted by Arturo Toscanini after a rapid postwar reconstruction.²

Museo Teatrale alla Scala was founded in 1911 in the former Casino Ricordi after the acquisition of the Sambon collection. It presents historical collections and changing exhibitions, with the Livia Simoni Theatre Library on its second floor.³

During the 2002–2004 restoration, performances moved to the Teatro degli Arcimboldi. La Scala reopened in its restored building on 7 December 2004, and the Theatre Museum returned to Piermarini's original building.¹

Sources and citations (3)

Teatro alla ScalaHistory timeline1776 / Giuseppe PiermariniRead source
Teatro alla ScalaFranco Fantini's life at La Scala: memoryOpening paragraphsRead source
Museo Teatrale alla ScalaIl Museo TeatralePage 2, opening paragraphRead source

Plan your visit

Before you go

Booking: Walk-up friendly
Maker: Giuseppe Piermarini
Period: Neoclassical theatre; postwar reconstruction and 2002–2004 restoration · 1776
Accessibility: Performance accessibility, seating and museum arrangements vary; consult Teatro alla Scala's current official accessibility information.

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