First time at La Scala — what to know
Teatro alla Scala is Milan's defining stage and a global landmark for opera. Going for the first time can feel intimidating — here's what to actually know.
Upcoming on tro
Editor's pickOperaNabucodonosor
The opera Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi at La Scala Scala from 16 May to 9 June 2026.
Editor's pickOperaCarmen
The opera Carmen by Georges Bizet at La Scala from 8 to 27 June 2026.
Editor's pickOperaFaust
Opera Faust by Charles Gounod at La Scala from 20 October to 8 November 2026.
Editor's pickBalletBalanchine Bausch Stravinsky
The ballets Apollo by George Balanchine and Le Sacre du printemps by Pina Bausch at La Scala from 7 to 21 November 2026.
Editor's pickOperaLucia di Lammermoor
The opera Lucia di Lammermoor by Gaetano Donizetti at La Scala from 26 June to 17 July 2026.
Editor's pickBalletDon Quixote
The ballet Don Quixote by Rudolf Nureyev at La Scala from 2 to 16 July 2026
Editor's pickOperaL’elisir d’amore
Orchestra and Lyric Opera Soloists of the Teatro alla Scala Academy in the opera L’elisir d’amore by Gaetano Donizetti, at La Scala from 5 to 16 September 2026.
Editor's pickOperaLa traviata
The opera La traviata di Giuseppe Verdi at La Scala from 19 September to 15 October 2026.
Editor's pickBalletGiselle
The ballet Giselle at La Scala from 1 to 23 October 2026.
ConcertFrancesco Meli / Luca Salsi
At Teatro alla Scala on 21 June 2026, the vocal recital of Francesco Meli and Luca Salsi.
ConcertRudolf Buchbinder
As part of the Great Pianists Season, Rudolf Buchbinder performs at Teatro alla Scala on 4 October 2026.
ConcertVerdi: Requiem Mass / Riccardo Chailly
At Teatro alla Scala on 28 and 30 October 2026, Giuseppe Verdi’s Messa da Requiem conducted by Riccardo Chailly.
ConcertRiccardo Chailly / Bruckner 9
As part of the Teatro alla Scala Symphony Season, Riccardo Chailly conducts Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No.
ConcertMyung-Whun Chung / Beethoven / Brahms
As part of the Teatro alla Scala Symphony Season, Myung-Whun Chung conducts the Filarmonica della Scala on 11, 15, and 17 June 2026.
ConcertDaniele Rustioni
As part of the Teatro alla Scala Symphony Season, Daniele Rustioni conducts the La Scala Orchestra and Chorus on 22, 24, and 25 September 2026.
Mimì & Teo and… The Magic Horn
Among the Concerts for Children, Mimì & Teo and… The magic horn at Teatro alla Scala
ConcertMembers of the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra
Music Chamber concer at "Arturo Toscanini" Boxes Foyer on 11 October 2026
ConcertSymphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks / The Rite of Spring
Guest at Teatro alla Scala on 11 October 2026: the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.
Tickets open about two months before each production. The cheapest seats (the upper galleries) cost ~€20-30; stalls and boxes run into the hundreds. Under-30s have a separate channel with sharp discounts; subscriptions are how most regulars buy.
Dress code is smart but not formal. Suits and dresses are common in the stalls; jeans are fine in the galleries. Avoid shorts and flip-flops.
Seating matters acoustically — galleries face the stage straight on; side boxes can be partial-view. La Scala's website marks restricted views clearly.
Your first show — start with one of the canonical Verdi or Puccini productions if you can. Wagner is a multi-hour commitment and the Ring cycle is a multi-night one. The Christmas Eve gala and the December 7 opening night are sold-out, livestreamed events.