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 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 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.
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.
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.
L'elisir d'amore for children
For the Great Performances for Children and Families series, L’elisir d’amore for Kids will be on stage at La Scala from…
Mimì & Teo and… The Jazz Robot!
Among the Concerts for Children, Mimì & Teo and… THE JAZZ ROBOT!
ConcertMembers of the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra
Music Chamber concert at "Arturo Toscanini" Boxes Foyer on 15 November 2016
ConcertBenjamin Bernheim
At Teatro alla Scala on 22 November 2026, the vocal recital by Benjamin Bernheim.
ConcertImpressions… on Ravel and Debussy
Among the events of "Invititation to La Scala", the concert Impressions… on Ravel and Debussy dedicated to Maurice Ravel…
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.