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Lets visit the La Scala Theater in Milan?

One of the most beautiful and famous theaters in the world is in the heart of Milan, and still hosts great shows and houses an incredible museum. Here we tell the story and give tips and information on how to visit this incredible attraction in Milan!

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Lets visit the La Scala Theater and Museum in Milan?

One of the most beautiful and famous theaters in the world is in the heart of Milan, and still hosts great shows and houses an incredible museum. Here we tell the story and give tips and information on how to visit this incredible attraction in Milan! Lets visit the La Scala Theater in Milan? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”

1) Lets visit the La Scala Theater and Museum in Milan? THE HISTORY OF THE LA SCALA THEATER

Teatro alla Scala, affectionately called La Scala, is the main opera house in Milan. It is a prestigious theater and has been operating for 241 years. The theater opened on August 3rd, 1778 and was named after the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which was demolished to make way for the new Teatro Regio Ducale (“Royal Ducal Theater”). The first structures designated as theaters in Milan, were ‘discreet’ and access was only for members of the court.

The construction

With the lack of space for art presentations, Empress Maria Teresa of Austria ordered the construction of the structure at the request of noble families in the Regio Ducale, as the old theater of the Milanese court had been destroyed in a fire on February 26th, 1776 The same families undertook to pay the costs for the construction of the new theater in exchange for the renovation of the property. The project was entrusted to the famous architect Giuseppe Piermarini, who also designed the ‘Teatro Interinale’, a temporary structure built in the church of St John in Conca, and also the Cannobiana Theater, with a plan very similar to that of La Scala, but in a smaller size, dedicated to ‘popular’ shows. The pictorial decoration was made by Giuseppe Levati and Giuseppe Reina.

Its Inauguration

On May 28th, 1778, the first acoustic tests were carried out and on August 3, in the presence of the Governor of Milan, Archduke Ferdinand de Habsburg-Este, Maria Beatriz d’Este, Count Carlo Giuseppe de Firmian and the Duke Francesco III d’Este, La Scala Theater, with its 3,000 seats, opened with the first absolute representation of Salieri’s renowned Europe riconosciuta. On the night of August 3rd, Pietro Verri was also among the spectators and wrote to his brother Alessandro, who was in Rome: “(…) the eyes are always busy. (…) While you are waiting for the show, there is a thunder and then a lightning burst: this is the signal for the orchestra to open, at the moment when the curtain opens like a stormy sea ”. Pure poetry!

The theater was not only a place for plays, it was also used as a ballroom. The façade of the theater represents two different historical moments: one copper image from 1790 (above) and the other in aquatinta, from 1850. Between August 15th and 16th, 1943, the Theater was violently bombed, but it was rebuilt and in 1946 it was already open again. In 1996 the Theater was declared a private non-profit foundation with the objective of spreading the art. The architecture of the theater is a spectacle apart and draws attention in a majestic way: every detail impresses and is of a unique beauty!

2) Lets visit the La Scala Theater and Museum in Milan? THE HISTORY OF THE LA SCALA MUSEUM

The extraordinary history of the Theater has more than two hundred years of epic triumphs and was ‘written’ by men and women equally extraordinary! Here, composers, singers, conductors, dancers, orchestras and others experienced remarkable and meaningful moments! Everyone who came here united passion, professionalism, art, work and commitment in a masterful way, and to honor them, the amazing museum was created!

The Museum Collections

The museum’s first nucleus was founded in 1911. It all started with an auction, where the acquisition of the private collection of Parisian antiquarian Giulio Sambon, a great lover of the theater, took place. The collection intended to document the history of entertainment over the years and, initially, the pieces had nothing to do with La Scala. The Museum was officially opened on March 8th, 1913 and in the following years received many donations of pieces from the most diverse moments of the theater: clothes, scenographic articles, scripts, instruments, etc. During the Second World War, the collections were transferred to safe locations and, at the end of the war, after the reconstruction, the museum was rebuilt by Fernanda Wittgens.

The museum’s exhibition area consists of fourteen rooms and exhibits marble busts, portraits of countless composers, orchestral conductors, artists from the European musical field of the last two centuries, ancient musical instruments, clothes, among many other very interesting items. There are also some paintings that depict all the glamor of the La Scala Theater and a painting by Angelo Inganni that represents the Scala facade in 1852.

The library

There is also a library that used to house 10,000 volumes of theater history; among the works are criticisms of the shows presented there and several musical scores. In 1954, with the testamentary legacy of the theater critic and playwright Renato Simoni, the library increased its entire collection to 40,000 volumes; in memory of the critic’s mother, the library was named Livia Simoni.

Then, two other large collections converged in the library: that of actor Ruggero Ruggeri (acquired by Cassa di Risparmio of the Lombard Provinces and donated to the museum) and that of writer Arnaldo Fraccaroli, donated by his son. The theater archive has photos, paintings and other items of immeasurable value that, through magical records, tell the history of this fantastic place!

Useful information

It is possible to carry out the visit alone, but the guided tour is a true art history class! It is worth it!

Information for Visiting the Museum

  • Official website for visitation: museoscala.org
  • Hours: every day, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm – last time to enter, 5:00 pm.
  • Important: The museum does not operate on the following days: December 7th, 24th, 25th, 26th, 31st (on December 24th and 31st, it only opens in the morning); January 1st, Easter, May 1st and August 15th.
  • Address: Largo Ghiringhelli 1, Piazza Scala – Milan.

Information for Visiting the Theater

To visit the Theater it is also possible to buy tickets online, you can buy the ticket only for tourist visits or for shows. To buy tickets for the theater and its shows and to check the performance schedule,

  • Tickets for theater and shows: teatroallascala.ticketone.it or teatroallascala.org.biglietti
  • Address: Via Filodrammatici, 2 – Milan.
  • Opening hours: the visiting hours are not fixed due to the presentations, but at the box office it is possible to check the opening hours for tourist visits and / or shows.

Are you going to stay in Milan? So you can get our exclusive hotel tips!

Here you will find great and free tips to not get fooled when choosing your hotel in Italy.

Plus: read our tips and advices about the Milan neighborhoods and where to stay! Here you will find the perfect hotel for you and for your needs, respecting you budget! Also: booking at booking.com, you will help us to keep our blog and for free! No fees, no click baits, no fake news!

Hotels I advise in the Malpensa and Linate areas

Let’s start with the Malpensa and Linate areas, the city’s airport regions. Linate and Malpensa are close to the two main airports in Milan. Ideal for short stays and business trips or, and, if you have a car.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Accommodation that I advise in the Duomo Region

One of the most charming regions is the Duomo area, cathedral and symbol of the city; this region is also perfect for those who love traditional cafes, trendy bars or for those who are always looking for the latest and follow the trends. The Duomo Square region is equipped with two metro lines, which make this region even more practical for those staying in the city.

If you want some indications of hostels and apartments, I have some options that I advise to save, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion already make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

I have two options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels I suggest in the Historic Center Area

Another region to consider is the Historic Center of Milan, a tangle of charming streets. The so-called “fashion quadrilaterale”, the ideal place to shop in Milan, with its famous streets: Montenapoleone, Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia (and the Saint Spirit, Gesù and Borgospesso). Within this zone we can also consider the Zona Brera which is another wonderful area to stay.

I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer a hotel, I have three options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels that I suggest in the Region of Brera

The Brera neighborhood is famous for its high fashion boutiques, exclusive art galleries and trendy bars – it is north of Piazza Duomo. The characteristic streets are inviting for a stroll without a destination. The main attraction is the Pinacoteca di Brera, where priceless works of art are exhibited – among them, the masterpieces of Raffaello and Mantegna. It is in the southeastern region of Brera that the “fashion quadrilaterale” is located. The region is frequented by VIPs and socialites who spend horrors in the boutiques of brands like Armani, Valentino and Versace, on the outskirts of the elegant “Montenapo” (as the Milanese affectionately call Montenapoleone Street)

I have good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels that I suggest in the Navigli area

Also, the charming Navigli district is a very energetic region, which in recent years has developed a lot. The “bomb” region of bars, breweries, restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias and is home to one of the most acclaimed antique fairs in Northern Italy. The bustling nightlife, typical art galleries and characteristic streets make this region a great choice for those who want to stay in Milan and for those who love to enjoy the nightlife.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

Hotels I advise in the Central Station Region

Another region with a high concentration of hotels is the Central Station, especially if you come by train. In this region there are several receptive structures and the best: for all budgets. Best region for those who want to do round trips from Milan.

If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.

If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices.


Conclusion

Lets visit the La Scala Theater in Milan? In a unique way, La Scala tells a little about the history of Milan in a passionate way! It definitely deserves a visit! And if you feel insecure, have no time, and need help to organize your trip, don’t hesitate to contact me! I will love to help you make your dream trip to Italy come true. And how can I do that? Keep reading this post until the end and you will understand how we make your life and your trip much easier.

Did my post help you? If so, be sure to post your comment below, but if you still have questions just send me a message I will answer you as soon as possible!



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